From defensive reasoning to innovation: how digital tools foster positive emotions in organizations

Researchers of organizational learning and innovation have frequently claimed that defensive reasoning is an inducer of negative emotions present in most organizations, inhibiting continuing innovation and development and individuals' effective learning. Although a significant amount of research has been conducted on the factors that reduce defensive reasoning in an organization, the breakthrough process and its outcomes have not yet been studied. This study uses narrative network analysis on longitudinal data from a Chinese tourist resort to explore how organizational factors-such as institutional environments, social media platforms, and virtual-reality role transformations-help employees overcome defensive reasoning and foster innovation. It demonstrates how digital management tools and corporate social platforms transform negative emotions into positive, creativity-enhancing actions. By analyzing individual defenses from both general and job position perspectives, the study introduces a comprehensive theoretical framework that highlights the role of emotional guidance and digital tools in reducing defensiveness, promoting collaboration, and improving organizational effectiveness and innovation.