Many good managers fake emotions, especially when dealing with staff, a study has revealed.

Research by psychologist Chiara Amati shows that good leaders do not always have to be open and honest.

The most effective managers could feign emotions, such as looking pleased with a new member of staff to boost their confidence, or holding back feelings of anger, says Amati, of Edinburgh Napier University.

The study among dozens of managers in education found that the most effective ones could override unhelpful thoughts.

"Managers reported feeling obliged to monitor their public displays of emotion in order to manage staff performance and maintain good working relationships with their team," said Amati.

"We have known for some time that the emotional climate in the workplace is a key factor in employee wellbeing and performance.

"What we have established is just how important it is that managers... put on a public emotional show, even if they don't feel like it."

The study will be presented to the British Psychological Society's occupational psychology conference in Chester.