Abstract:
Negative emotions at work are a crucial issue. Studies illustrate links between
negative emotions and counterproductive workplace behaviour. One key perceived
stressor of negative emotions is relationships with people at work resulting in inter role conflict and emotional strain. Therefore, this qualitative study explores this
perceived stressor and the resulting negative emotions. Public schools in the Greater
Male’ Region were included, and random sampling was applied. Semi-structured
one-on-one interviews were conducted on 26 respondents from 13 schools. The
questions were structured on the main attributes identified through the literature
review. Using NVIVO, the responses were classified into themes and subsequently
into broad patterns. As opposed to literature, suppression is not the dominant
strategy teachers use for expression; rather, it is to assess and discuss afterward with
their supervisors and coworkers. Maintaining the status quo and the criticality of
incidents were often cited as a key cause of suppression. A strong correlation was
identified between tenure in a single school and the likelihood of expressing negative
emotions, which were often moderated by rapport with the supervisor. The findings
will help the key stakeholders to understand and address the sources of perceived
stressors and the resulting negative emotions. Otherwise, these factors could have
harmful impacts on the students, coworkers, and the community.
