Discrete emotions in interactions with superiors: Some are more role-related, some are more relationship-related

We present results of an event-sampling study with 210 participants investigating discrete emotions felt by subordinates in interactions with their superiors. We relate appraisal profiles of ten discrete emotions with role and relationship aspects of leadership. In accordance with the role of the superior as promoting and evaluating performance, subordinates feel more pride, relief, embarrassment and fear and less pleasure in interactions with their superiors when compared to interactions with other people at work. In accordance with the relationship aspect of leadership, high levels of Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) are associated with less disgust, contempt, anger, fear and more pleasure. Contrary to expectations, enthusiasm was not related to role aspects and disappointment was not related to relationship aspects of leadership. To our knowledge, this is the first study to predict different emotions being triggered by a) the presence of a superior (role aspect) and b) the level of LMX with the superior (relationship aspect).