Positive emotion in workplace impact

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight the role of positive emotions in generating workplace impacts and examine it through the application of an adapted appreciative inquiry process in the context of a work-based project aimed at promoting integrated working under challenging organisational circumstances. Design/methodology/approach The paper adopts a case study methodology which highlights how an organisation facing difficult circumstances (such as austerity measures, siloed cultures, constant threats of reorganisation, and requirement to work across occupational boundaries) adapted an appreciative inquiry intervention/method. Findings This paper found, first, that the utilisation of appreciative inquiry in the context of an adapted work-based project in difficult organisational circumstances generated positive emotions manifest through a compelling vision and action plans, second, that the impacts (such as a vision) can become entangled and therefore part of the wider ecological context which promotes pathways to such impact, but that, third, there are a various cultural and climate features which may limit the implementation of actions or the continuation of psychological states beyond the time-bound nature of the work-based project. Practical implications The paper illustrates how an organisation adapted a form of appreciative inquiry to facilitate organisational change and generated outcomes which were meaningful to the various occupational groupings involved. Originality/value This paper offers new evidence and insight into the adaptation of appreciative inquiry under challenging circumstances in the context of a work-based learning project. It also provides a richer picture of how positive emotion can manifest in ways which are meaningful to a localised context.

Job crafting towards strengths and job crafting towards interests in overqualified employees: Different outcomes and boundary effects

“…In terms of engaging in JC-interests, its effects on task performance might be mixed. On one hand, a great deal of research has shown that positive emotional experiences increase people's motivation to put in effort and hence improves their performance (e.g., Erez & Isen, 2002;Lyubomirsky et al, 2005;Wall et al, 2017). As employing JC-interests is an effective strategy to gain emotional benefits, it can contribute to task performance via producing increased motivation and a positive emotional state (i.e., vitality).…”

Positive affect and mindfulness as predictors of resilience amongst women leaders in higher education institutions

“…According to Wall, Russell, and Moore (2017), there has been considerable research that suggests organisations can stimulate the growth of positive affect by adapting appreciative inquiry interventions or methods as part of a work-based learning project. Appreciative enquiry emphasises a strength-based approach and highlights elements that are positive in the organisation.…”

Promoting Work-based Learning as a Praxis of Educational Leadership in Higher Education

“…The underlying reason behind this work-based learning is that collective and reflective experiences remain powerful concerning the leadership transformation (Raelin, 2016). There has been a need-it-right-now framework to change the broader structures of higher education institutions through fundamental principles such as ingrained values, beliefs, ethics, responsibility and knowledge sets in the twenty-first century (Wall, Russell, & Moore, 2017).…”

“…Work-based learning outlines the curriculum extended from the current disciplinary-specific sustainability, existing circumstances, and common core values. The curriculum, in a broader sense, appreciates cross-cultural varieties that portend norms of inclusion, equality, responsibility and legitimate decision-making (Wall, Russell, & Moore, 2017).…”