Abstract: Gratitude expression is a common form of interpersonal interaction in organizational contexts and is generally regarded as conveying positive social signals and producing a range of beneficial psychological and behavioral outcomes. However, existing research suggests that gratitude expression may produce differentiated effects across contexts, and its underlying mechanisms have yet to be systematically integrated. To address this, we systematically reviews relevant empirical studies and develops a typological framework based on two dimensions: the scope of effects (intrapersonal vs. interpersonal) and the valence of effects (positive vs. negative). This framework integrates the effects of gratitude expression on expressers, receivers, and observers, and identifies four theoretically distinct categories: intrapersonal positive effects, interpersonal positive effects, interpersonal negative effects, and intrapersonal negative effects. Meanwhile, building on social relational theory, we further proposes an explanatory framework of effect differentiation centered on the strengthening of communal relationship perception versus the salience of exchange relationship perception. In addition, contextual cues influencing relationship perception are categorized into individual cues and interactional cues to clarify how different contextual conditions shape the direction of gratitude expression effects. Finally, based on this integrative perspective, we outline three future research directions: enriching research on intrapersonal effects, systematically examining boundary conditions, and extending the study of gratitude expression effects from a temporal perspective. In conclusion, this work provides a novel theoretical lens for understanding the complex roles of gratitude expression in organizations and offers a structured research agenda for future studies.

Key words: gratitude, gratitude expression, positive effects, negative effects, context