Surviving a cognitive crisis at work: understanding the causes and consequences of cognitive dissonance

Purpose The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, most of the previous studies have primarily studied the cognitive dissonance outcomes of a single organization’s employees and have used a quantitative approach to study cognitive dissonance. This study attempts to improve this shortcoming and explores the cognitive dissonance in employees of different workplaces. Furthermore, multiple previous related studies focused on a specific stage rather than the whole process of cognitive dissonance. Current study tends to explain the process by systematically postulating the antecedents and conflicts faced by employees that cause cognitive dissonance and effect their personal and professional lives. Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from two samples, i.e. France and Pakistan. A total of 30 interviews were performed to collect data about employees’ work environments and dissonant situations. Gioia’s methodology of two-order thematic analyses was used, and multiple themes were produced that were embedded in the context of cognitive dissonance. Findings The qualitative study revealed that the employees exposed to cognitive dissonance suffered in both professional and individual lives in different manners (physically and mentally). Practical implications This study contributes significantly to cognitive dissonance theory by highlighting the powerful urge for dissonance reduction during dissonant experiences. It also emphasizes the detrimental influence of work contextual factors, such as unfairness and injustice on employee positivity. This study suggests that researching dissonance reduction strategies can be a valuable resource for effective organizational interventions. By promoting a workplace where employees, stakeholders and organizational agents can cooperate and communicate effectively in decision-making processes. Originality/value In the current paper, the authors considered improving the cognitive dissonance theory, primarily conceptual inadequacies and its connection with work ethics. As a better comprehension of the methodological perspectives is imperative to future hypothetical advancement, the authors proposed some approaches to address these deficiencies.