How does emotion residue affect an individual after switching organizations

This article presents a qualitative study of how emotion residue affects the relationship between individuals and organizations when an individual changes organizations. This study is based on ex-unionists who were employed full-time by a union, left the union and then integrated into a new company. We build on works that have identified a link between emotion and an individuals’ relationship with an organization, as well as studies of emotion residue. Our article contributes to the literature in several ways. First, we expand the role of emotion residue during a professional transition after integration by identifying the manifestations of this residue. Second, we extend the concept of emotional competence. Emotional competence also concerns emotional residue. Third, we show the impact of emotion residue and values on the relationship between individuals and organizations after a switch. Lastly, organizations have a real impact on emotion residue and could help individuals to manage it.