What is it about?
Is surprise just a fleeting emotion? This integrative review shows it is actually a complex psychological experience that can make or break organizational success. For decades, researchers have been confused about what surprise really is - some called it an event, others an emotion. This study finally unifies these fragmented views, revealing surprise as a unique "ambivalent" experience that simultaneously triggers both cognitive and emotional responses.
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Why is it important?
The bigger revelation? Surprise follows predictable pathways in organizations, creating either innovation or rigidity based on how people initially process the unexpected. Yet most workplaces completely ignore this powerful force. This research opens up an entirely new field of study around organizational surprise, with important implications for leadership, change management, and innovation.
Perspectives
This paper is the result of a long but deeply rewarding journey with my co-authors to understand what surprise really is and why it matters so much in organizations. We hope it sparks curiosity and inspires others to explore this powerful, often-overlooked experience.
Gabriel Sala
University of Georgia
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: An integrative conceptual review and theoretical framework of surprise in organizations., Journal of Applied Psychology, July 2025, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/apl0001306.
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