Leader interpersonal emotion Management: An Input-Process-Output framework and research agenda

Leader interpersonal emotion management (IEM), such as leader humorous behaviors and the provision of emotional support, represents a distinct yet integrative leadership construct that highlights leaders’ deliberate efforts to manage others’ emotions. It extends beyond existing leader behavioral constructs by emphasizing the management of others’ emotions as a fundamental behavioral mechanism underpinning effective leadership. Research on IEM has made notable progress over the past few decades; however, critical limitations remain that hinder further development of the literature. In this article, I clarify the conceptualization of leader IEM as the behavioral processes through which leaders manage the emotions of relevant stakeholders and integrate existing research findings into an input-process-output (IPO) framework. This framework comprises three key components: (a) inputs, which consist of ability, motivation, and opportunity factors; (b) processes, which capture broad strategies and specific tactics organized hierarchically; and (c) outputs, which include both immediate and extended outcomes at multiple levels. I further evaluate methodological rigor and propose directions for future research.