Positive Psychology in Practice: Promoting Human Flourishing in Work, Health, Education, and Everyday Life, 2nd Edition

Chapter 22Applications of Positive Approaches in Organizations

JANE HENRY

This chapter outlines the application of positive approaches in organizational practice. It discusses work and well-being and some of the main strategies used in attempts to develop and sustain a positive and healthy organization. These address motivation, professional development, team building, and participatory working practices, as well as positive approaches to organizational development, such as appreciative enquiry, solutions-focused approaches, positive psychology, and their organizational parallels—positive organizational behavior and scholarship.

The chapter notes that although certain organizational interventions can be seen as positive, aspects of professional development go beyond either a purely negative or positive orientation. It concludes that work is important for well-being, and that certain organizational practices can enhance satisfaction and aid performance, while noting that different practices may be needed for different personalities, sectors, and cultures.

Well-Being at Work

The full-time employed spend at least half their waking hours working, so it is a very important avenue for well-being. Happiness at work has been examined through job satisfaction, work engagement, positive affect, and climate. In addition, there is increasing concern with corporate social responsibility, business ethics, and corporate citizenship.

Studies of life satisfaction generally show higher levels ...