Positive Organizational Behavior is emerging as a truly contemporary movement within the classic discipline of organizational behavior. The best work of leading scholars is gathered together in one edited collection. Chapters present the states, traits, and processes that compromise this exciting new science. In addition to mapping the field, this collection goes one step further and invites noted experts to identify the methodological challenges facing scholars of positive organizational behavior. Positive Organizational Behavior constitutes the study of positive human strengths and competencies, how it can be facilitated, assessed and managed to improve performance in the workplace . Its roots are firmly within positive psychology but transplanted to the world of work and organizations.

Thriving in Organizations

Thriving in Organizations

Thriving in organizations
Gretchen M.Spreitzer and Kathleen M.Sutcliffe

Consider these contrasting images of individuals in relation to their work.

Slow Death

  • ‘Here we house the legions of the walking dead.’

    When people join the legions of the walking dead, they begin to live lives of quiet desperation. They tend to experience feelings of meaninglessness, hopelessness, and impotence in their work roles. (Quinn, 1996: 20)

  • ‘Seventy-five percent of our middle managers have opted for peace and pay.’ Peace and pay means don't rock the boat, maintain the status quo, keep your head in a shell, come in at eight and leave at five, don't take any risks. (Quinn, 1996: 22)

In slow death, employees are stagnant, stale, and lifeless. Now consider a different image of individuals at work.

Thriving at Work

  • Thriving ...
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