The Phenomenon of Organizational Resentment

Abstract

A significant number of employees have developed powerful, yet largely unexplained attitudes of dislike, disdain, and bitterness toward their employers. What is the nature of these strong and potentially destructive thoughts, feelings, and actions? To answer this question, I introduce the concept of organizational resentment. First, I explicate the key role that justice and power plays in the suppression of this unrecognized concept in the field of management. I specifically argue that organizational resentment is a negative attitude that individuals have toward organizations composed of indignant cognitions, emotions, and behaviors. I discuss the validity, value, and proper level of analysis of organizational resentment as well. Following my overview and conceptualization of this phenomenon, I offer a substantive research agenda with specific propositions, and I conclude with the managerial implications.