Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand the role of negative emotions in modern work life. The paper aims to identify antecedents and consequences of negative emotions especially in the context of knowledge work performance. The viewpoint is managerial and underlying assumption that negative emotions are not always bad. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based on a literature review. First, the nature and roles of negative emotions in organizational context are investigated by analysing models and theories explaining how emotions are linked to workplace events, behaviors and outcomes. Second, antecedents and consequences of negative emotions and affective states (e.g., angry, frustrated, worried, sad) are explored. The paper aims to construct a conceptual model for the basis of later empirical research. Originality/value – This paper introduces a managerial approach to identify and manage the triggers and impacts of negative emotions in knowledge-intensive organizations. To complement the more conventional approach of preventing and eliminating negative factors, this paper focuses on the positive aspects of negative emotions. Practical implications – The outcomes of the paper provide new understanding for managing negative emotions in companies in a way that they can be transformed into positive asset and business value. This paper identifies various events and behavioral links that could be intervened and influenced in order to attain positive performance outcomes.