How Crying Fabricated Tears Negatively Impacts Women More Than Men: The Role of Anger and Empathy

Abstract

Across two studies (n = 429), we examine how observers react to people who cry genuine tears versus fabricated tears (also known as “fake tears” or “crocodile tears”) during performance feedback evaluations. In doing so we shed light on an area of deceptive emotional expression that has yet to receive full attention in organizations. Using role congruity theory as a framework, we find that observers are angrier and less empathetic towards women who cry fabricated tears compared to men who cry fabricated tears. This emotional reaction then spills over to negatively affect downstream variables such as assessments of leadership capability and helping behavior. These findings suggest that crying fabricated tears during performance feedback evaluations can backfire for women. However, the type of tears (fabricated vs. genuine) had no effect for male criers. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.