2020
Working Paper
HBS Working Paper Series

Quiet Fires Fail to Impress: Introverted Expressions of Passion Receive Less Social Worth

By: Grace Cormier and Jon M. Jachimowicz

Format:Print
| Language:English

Abstract

Thinking of passionate people typically brings to mind their vivacious expressions. Prior research has shown that such outward manifestations of passion are often met with increased admiration and support by others. But not everyone may express their passion so animatedly. Drawing on personality research, we argue that vivacious expressions of passion capture only a narrow set of passion expressions: those characteristic of extraversion. We suggest that passion is also expressed in ways more aligned with introversion. Based on emerging sociological perspectives, we subsequently propose that introverted expressions of passion are rewarded less social worth than extraverted expressions of passion. We provide empirical support across four studies with full-time employees (N=1,060), including a study of subordinate-supervisor pairs. Our theory and results highlight that interpersonal effects of passion depend on how passion is expressed, whereby those who express their passion extravertedly—but not introvertedly—are more likely to reach higher organizational echelons.