Article | Academy of Management Journal | October 2008

Navigating the Bind of Necessary Evils: Psychological Engagement and the Production of Interpersonally Sensitive Behavior

by Joshua D. Margolis and Andrew Molinsky

Abstract

We develop grounded theory about how individuals respond to the subjective experience of performing "necessary evils" and how that influences the way they treat targets of their actions. Despite the importance and difficulty of delivering just, compassionate treatment when it is most needed—when necessarily harming another person—little research has focused on those who must do so. Using qualitative data from 111 managers, doctors, police officers, and addiction counselors, we document how performers both engage and disengage when doing these tasks, unearth multiple forms of interpersonal justice, and identify four styles of response for handling necessary evils.

Keywords: Interpersonal Communication; Fairness; Moral Sensibility; Problems and Challenges; Behavior; Power and Influence; Welfare or Wellbeing;

Format: Print 26 pages Find at Harvard

Citation:

Margolis, Joshua D., and Andrew Molinsky. "Navigating the Bind of Necessary Evils: Psychological Engagement and the Production of Interpersonally Sensitive Behavior." Academy of Management Journal 51, no. 5 (October 2008): 847–872. (

Winner of Academy of Management. Outstanding Publication in Organizational Behavior Award presented by Academy of Management

.)

About the Author

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Joshua D. Margolis
James Dinan and Elizabeth Miller Professor of Business Administration
Unit Head, Organizational Behavior
Chair, Program for Leadership Development
Organizational Behavior

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