There are many different types of tasks that must be completed within an organization, whether it is a business, government agency, or military unit. One task that can be particularly important for military units is emotional labor. Emotional labor refers to the work involved in managing one's own feelings and displaying appropriate emotions toward others in order to achieve desired outcomes. This type of labor often involves creating and maintaining relationships, resolving conflicts, and understanding and responding appropriately to the needs of customers or colleagues.
How does this manifest differently in hierarchical versus egalitarian military units? In this article, I will explore the ways in which emotional labor differs between these two types of units.
One way in which emotional labor may differ in hierarchical versus egalitarian military units is in the level of trust that exists between leaders and subordinates. In hierarchical units, there is typically a clear power structure where the leader holds all of the authority and makes decisions without input from subordinates. This means that subordinates must demonstrate respect and obedience to their superiors in order to avoid punishment or discipline. As a result, they may feel pressure to hide their true emotions and put on a facade of respectfulness even when they disagree with their supervisor or have concerns about their safety. On the other hand, in egalitarian military units, there may be more open communication and collaboration among team members. Subordinates may feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and opinions without fear of reprisal, leading to greater trust and emotional intimacy with their leaders.
Another difference between hierarchical and egalitarian units is the amount of time spent on emotional labor tasks. In hierarchical units, leaders may spend more time managing emotions by trying to control their own feelings and projecting an image of strength and confidence. They may also focus on maintaining their position of authority through displays of power and dominance. In contrast, in egalitarian units, leaders may spend less time managing their own emotions because they are able to rely on the support of their team members. They may instead focus on building relationships and creating a positive work environment based on mutual respect and cooperation.
The way that emotional labor manifests differently in hierarchical versus egalitarian units may depend on the specific culture and values of each unit.
Some hierarchical units may place a high value on stoicism and self-control, while others may encourage empathy and vulnerability. Egalitarian units may prioritize transparency and honesty, which could lead to more open discussions of emotions and conflicts.
It is clear that emotional labor plays a vital role in both types of military units, but the ways in which it is performed can differ greatly depending on the structure and culture of the organization.
In what ways does emotional labor manifest differently in hierarchical versus egalitarian military units?
Emotional labor is defined as the management of feelings and expression of emotion for the purpose of conforming to cultural norms, which can take on different forms within various social contexts (Weiss & Cropanzano, 1996). In hierarchical military units, where there exists a strict chain of command and power dynamics between leaders and subordinates, emotional labor may be more prevalent than in egalitarian units.