DO CFOs HAVE HEARTS? A REVEALING PHENOMENOLOGICAL INTERVIEW

Abstract

This article sought to understand how Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) deal with feelings and emotions. Criticized for their strictly positivist view while reconciling scarce resources and diverse needs, financial directors are recognized for their coldness in dealing with sensitive issues such as massive layoffs, benefits, and investments cuts, referring to the numbers through a results-oriented perspective. Through an interview with a financial director using the phenomenological approach, it was possible to reveal little-known aspects of these professionals, related to the management of their feelings and emotions. The answers, based on her real experience, confirm the perceptions of the author, also a financial manager, that statements of positive emotions are better accepted than negative ones, not only in the finance area, but in the corporate environment in general. The importance of a supportive net and gender issues also appeared, such as the connection between feelings and weakness, attributed to women. Finally, the ability to deal with complex situations and external factors through emotional intelligence and a calm and balanced approach constitutes valuable quality to be achieved, inspiring respect and credibility.