Title: The obsession with outputs: over regulation and the impact on the emotional identities of public service professionals

Authors: Chris Miller, Paul Hoggett, Marjorie Mayo

Addresses: University of the West of England, Bristol, UK. ' University of the West of England, Bristol, UK. ' Goldsmiths College, University of London, UK

Abstract: This paper draws upon research on the ways in which public service professionals working with disadvantaged communities, manage the ethical dilemmas and emotional tensions experienced in role. We view the public sphere as a dilemmatic space and the effective use of emotions is seen as essential. We explore the emotions engaged and the coping strategies adopted by these professionals and their sources of support, both internal and external, in response to over-regulation. We explore the reactions to such changes in the nature of the work and the implications for policy and organisational practice.

Keywords: public service professionals; regulation; emotion; outputs; emotional identity; disadvantaged communities; ethical dilemmas; emotional tensions; over-regulation; work organisation; policy; public services.

DOI: 10.1504/IJWOE.2006.011877

International Journal of Work Organisation and Emotion, 2006 Vol.1 No.4, pp.366 - 378

Published online: 29 Dec 2006 *

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