A study examined the role of emotion in organizational life (specifically, in a corrections organization) to determine the communicative circumstances and effects associated with emotional communication events. A detailed questionnaire administered to 105 employees of a state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation provided data on the nature of emotions experienced, the socialization content of the events, the extent to which the emotions were expressed, and the relational and behavioral consequences of the events considered. Results revealed that positive and negative emotions had different communicative effects. In addition, the emotional events were associated with changed relational assessments. However, changes in communicative behavior were reported only when the other interactant was a co-worker (as opposed to a supervisor). Continued investigation into emotional communication and the definition and redefinition of workplace relationships appear to be called for. (Six tables of data are included; 38 references are attached.) (KEH)