Emotional Labour and Authenticity Among Academics in Nigerian Universities: A Theoretical Perspective

Abstract

The research examined the emotional labour and authenticity displayed by academics in Nigerian universities through an opinion review. Over the course of time, scholars and professionals have increasingly recognized the significance of emotional regulation in the workplace and developed a deeper appreciation for its associated advantages. The growth and development of service businesses are contingent upon the proficient administration of emotional labour. The necessity to have a comprehensive understanding of the factors that contribute to the well-being of employees especially the academics is increasing. Given the considerable impact of work on individuals’ lives, it is imperative to acquire knowledge on strategies for maintaining and improving overall well-being within the professional setting. It is on this basis the current theoretical paper x-ray opinions underpinned by scholars on issues surrounding emotional labor and authenticity. The paper revealed that employees have the option to utilize three distinct acting mechanisms, namely surface acting, deep acting, and genuine acting to effectively engage in emotional labour. The study also indicated that there was a significant impact of emotional labour on the concept of academic authenticity. The practical implications of the current research therefore, encompass the need for educational institutions’ management to consider the incorporation of genuine emotions within the framework of emotional labour as well as the possible advantages of stress management training in understanding and predicting job-related outcomes.