The catalytic role of emotions in sensemaking: Evidence from the blogosphere

Abstract

We examine the role of emotions in the sensemaking and related processes engaged during a period of change in a worldwide network of organizations—the Anglican Communion (global religion of nearly 75 million members of the Anglican faith). We studied and qualitatively analyzed text from blogs of members in multiple countries as they commented on issues and actions by the Anglican Communion following a controversial decision. Our findings revealed how manifesting discrete emotions can affect the sense processes by catalyzing them or providing motivation for them. Emotions were also found to be a product of such sense processes.