What term refers to the guidelines for emotional display in a professional setting?

The correct answer refers to the guidelines for emotional display in a professional setting, known as "emotional rules." These are the societal and organizational norms that dictate how individuals are expected to express their emotions in a workplace environment. Emotional rules help maintain professional decorum and foster a conducive work environment by guiding employees on what emotions are appropriate to express, how to manage their feelings, and which displays of emotion are acceptable, thus ensuring effective communication and collaboration among team members.

Understanding emotional rules is crucial in organizational communication as they influence not just the interpersonal interactions but also the overall climate and culture of the workplace. By adhering to these rules, individuals can navigate professional relationships more effectively and contribute to a positive organizational atmosphere.

The other options do relate to emotional expression but differ in focus. Stressors refer to factors that cause stress, compassionate communication emphasizes the importance of empathy and support in interactions, and emotional intelligence pertains to the ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions as well as the emotions of others. While all these concepts intersect with the expression of emotions in the workplace, they do not specifically address the formal guidelines that govern emotional display, which is the essence of emotional rules.