Abstract

RODRIGUEZ-CARVAJAL, Raquel et al. Positive Psychology at Work: Mutual Gains for Individuals and Organizations. Rev. psicol. trab. organ. [online]. 2010, vol.26, n.3, pp.235-253. ISSN 2174-0534.

Today, workplace is constantly changing. Organizations are confronted with multiple challenges, brought by continuous change. Facing this situation, organizations have opted for two different types of strategies, either the traditional deficit or problem-solving approach or positive-abundance approach which considers that the goal of the organization is to embrace and enable the highest potential of the organization and its employees. A literature review of the latest advances in positive organizational research was conducted in order to shed light onto two main questions: Are mutual gains for the organization and employees possible? And, what does the evidence shows about the development of theory, research and application of positive approaches? Several keywords and descriptors from positive approaches were used. Finally, 154 articles were reviewed. The results point in favor of the mutual gains but also indicate a lack of theoretical development and the need for further research. Other matters are likewise discussed.

Keywords : positive psychology; abundance approach; work; organizations.

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