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

Miller, Chris; Hoggett, Paul; Mayo, Marjorie

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. Copyright © 2006 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Dec 1, 2006
• Journal: International Journal of Work Organisation and Emotion
• Print ISSN: 1740-8938
• Electronic ISSN: 1740-8946
• Publisher: Inderscience
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 1
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 366-378
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1504/IJWOE.2006.011877
• Keywords: outputs, emotional identities, public service professionals
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1035098
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1504/IJWOE.2006.011877
• Additional Information: Additional Information : One of a number of outputs from an ESRC funded research project rated as 'outstanding', this is a jointly authored peer review article published in a leading cross-disciplinary journal. This is a timely evidence-based article that challenges the value of excessive regulation in complex policy areas in which professional discretion and judgement remain essential features of good practice. Miller was the lead author. Contribution 60%