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Algorithmic Facial Expression Analysis: A Novel Methodology to Advance Management Research on Emotions

Stroe, S., Sirén, C., Fang He, V. , Burkhard, B. & Souitaris, V. ORCID: 0000-0002-7889-0010 (2026). Algorithmic Facial Expression Analysis: A Novel Methodology to Advance Management Research on Emotions. Academy of Management Journal,

Abstract

With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence technologies, algorithmic facial expression analysis (AFEA) has emerged as a promising methodology to measure emotions. Despite rapid adoption across management subfields, the full scope of AFEA’s theoretical potential remains underexplored. This paper provides a framework that links the AFEA measurement innovation to major opportunities for theoretical advancement around emotions in organizations. We start by describing the methodological basis of AFEA and reviewing its applications in management research to date. We then outline two core capabilities of AFEA—namely, capturing the temporal structure of emotions and detecting inauthentic expressions of emotions—and illustrate how these capabilities can enable theory advancement in management research. After presenting an empirical demonstration of AFEA’s capabilities and a practical step-by-step guide for using it, we conclude by discussing key considerations for realizing the future potential of AFEA research.

Publication Type: Article
Additional Information: This is the author accepted manuscript of an article to be published in the Academy of Management Journal. The final version will be available at: https://aom.org/research/journals/journal
Publisher Keywords: Algorithmic Facial Expression Analysis (AFEA), Emotions, Measurement Innovation, Methodology-Theory Bridge, Theory Development, Temporal Structure, Authenticity
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management
Q Science > QA Mathematics > QA75 Electronic computers. Computer science
Departments: Bayes Business School
Bayes Business School > Faculty of Management
SWORD Depositor:
[thumbnail of AMJ-2024-0826.R3_Proof_final.pdf] Text - Accepted Version
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