Positive Psychology is the scientific study of human thoughts, emotions and behaviour, with a focus on the individual's strengths instead of weaknesses. It emphasises the positives within the person instead of looking at the negatives. It focuses on building up the average person to a better version of themselves.
This ties in neatly with organizations as many a times, they are stockpliled with average workers and positive psychology aims to better every single average worker through studying how they can better utilise their strengths.
Thus, organizational behaviour has been greatly impacted by the application of principles of positive psychology. Positive Psychology has allowed organizations to follow theoretical organizational behvaviour structures to better improve their current crop of workers which will lead to the greater optimization of its resources.
There is no greater example of positive psychology than through positive leadership. Positive organizational behaviour can only happen if the groundwork has been done by the management. Leaders are the figurehead of the organization and any change in approach has to come from the top-down.
"Positive Psychology is the scientific study of what makes life most worth living" (Peterson,2008)As the name suggests, positive psychology looks at the positive influences in life, including:
1) Positive Experiences (those that make you experience happiness)
2) Positive Attributes (Resilience and Empathy etc)
Positive Psychology primarily focuses on the strengths that the individual already possesses. It hones it on topics like self-confidence, empathy, resilience, well-being and hope.
With the aim of empowering the individual to be a better version of themselves, it suits organizations as they can improve on current workers rather than having a high staff turnover. Highlighting key attributes such as resilience will be beneficial to the individual and organization in the long run.
Positive Psychology focuses on individuals who already have a set of positive traits rather than individuals who are starting from the ground up. The primary goal is to transform an average individual into an outstanding one.
Benefits of Positive Psychology in the workplace
1) Positive emotions improve job performance
2) Positive emotions in the workplace=More Positive Corporate Culture
Positive emotions improve job performance
Feeling positive would naturally result in better job performance. Positive emotions are associated with better quality of work. When you are in a better mood, you are more likely to be motivated. Hence, the onus is on organizations to create a positive and conducive environment for their workers to perform at their optimal best.
Feeling good=Improved Productivity
Positive emotions in the workplace=More Positive Corporate Culture
Employees generally like working in positive workplaces which is why companies like Google have regularly been voted as the best place to work. Google encourage a positive corporate culture where they actively try to make their employee's lives easier and better their well-being.
Employees are even free to bring their pets to work, with the intention of providing some googlers with the joy of being their pets to work to keep their energy levels up. This also doubles up as creating a more joyful working environment for everyone as people love pets.
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Generally, if employees like the organization they work for, they tend to be willing to work harder for the common goal. If as an organization, you create an environment where employees are disillusioned, motivating employees will be tough and your firm's efficiency will suffer. Highlight the positive attributes of your team and you will have a more cohesive and motivated team.