Embarrassing E-mails in Organizations

Abstract

This study addresses a void in the computer-mediated communication literature by examining how embarrassment is commonly triggered in organizational e-mails. Facework theory is used to examine embarrassment and its implications for professional and organizational image. Twenty-one in-depth interviews were conducted and data referencing embarrassing e-mails were extracted and analyzed for themes. Two types of e-mail faux pas themes were identified: misdirected e-mail and faulty content. Theoretical implications of studying embarrassment in a computer-mediated context are considered.