What does Alrie Hochschilds research show about companies?

Arlie Hochschild's research, particularly her work in *The Managed Heart* and *Strangers in Their Own Land*, doesn't directly focus on companies as monolithic entities. Instead, she examines the *emotional labor* required of workers within companies and the broader societal implications of that labor. Her findings show:

* Emotional labor as a key aspect of many jobs: Hochschild demonstrates that numerous jobs, especially those in service industries, require employees to manage and suppress their genuine emotions to display a specific emotional demeanor considered appropriate for the role. This "emotional labor" can be emotionally taxing and contribute to burnout. She uses flight attendants as a prime example, but it applies to many other roles in customer service, healthcare, and even teaching.

* The impact of corporate culture and management on workers' emotions: Her work highlights how company culture, policies, and management styles directly influence the types and amount of emotional labor employees perform. Strict performance metrics, demanding customers, and a lack of emotional support from superiors can all exacerbate the negative emotional consequences of this work.

* The disconnect between corporate goals and workers' experiences: Hochschild reveals how companies prioritize profitability and customer satisfaction often at the expense of employees' well-being. The need to maintain a cheerful, accommodating demeanor can lead to employees feeling emotionally alienated and resentful.

* The political implications of emotional labor: In *Strangers in Their Own Land*, while not explicitly focused on companies, Hochschild's work demonstrates how the emotional labor demanded by societal structures and ideological frameworks (such as those favoring limited government regulation) can impact individuals' political views and choices. This indirectly connects to the broader emotional landscape of the workplaces shaping these individuals.

In essence, Hochschild's research doesn't provide a blanket statement about all companies, but instead reveals a critical aspect of the workplace often overlooked: the emotional toll of work and the ways companies, both consciously and unconsciously, contribute to or mitigate it. Her findings highlight the ethical and social responsibility of companies to consider the emotional well-being of their employees.