According to affective events theory, which management actions can improve mood and performance?

• A. Minimize negative events, provide social support, and give timely feedback.
• B. Increase daily repetitive tasks with no feedback.
• C. Limit interpersonal interactions.
• D. Distract employees with unrelated tasks.

Answer: (A)

Affective events theory shows that daily workplace events trigger emotional responses that influence mood and, in turn, performance. The best management actions are those that minimize negative triggers, provide social support, and give timely feedback. Reducing negative events lowers the chances of negative moods arising; social support helps employees cope with stress and maintain positive affect; timely feedback reduces ambiguity, reinforces competence, and fosters a upbeat mood that enhances performance. The other options miss these mechanisms: more repetitive tasks with no feedback tend to cause boredom and negative affect; limiting interpersonal interactions cuts off the social resources that buffer stress; distracting employees with unrelated tasks doesn’t address the emotional drivers of mood and can undermine engagement and performance.