Positive Psychology In Business Ethics And Corporate Responsibility

The goal of this volume is to begin to create those critical linkages between positive psychological attributes and relevant research areas. Undoubtedly, there are many topics in positive psychology that could not be covered in just one volume, and many more topical linkages to business ethics and social responsibility that need to be made. While much research yet needs to be done in this nascent area, we hope that much as other volumes on positive psychology served as an impetus for research in social psychology (see Snyder & Lopez, 2002) and organizational behavior (Cameron, Dutton, & Quinn, 2003), this volume will ignite scientific interest in the role positive psychology plays in key areas such as ethics and social responsibility. As the study of positive psychology continues to emerge more fully, it may well help us to better comprehend the impact of this paradigm on predicting ethical decision making, organizational citizenship, and social responsibility toward the end of creating more positive and productive workplaces in general.

In a world where just about every corporation is going greener and more socially responsible, and where many have found that building a better world and building a stronger business indeed go hand in hand, it is time for scholars and managers alike to explore the impact of sustainability action on the workforce and people; that is, to study exactly how the quest for sustainable value affects the human side of enterprise. If, as Aristotle observed, we are what we repeatedly do – and if much if not most of our waking lives is spent in the context of organisations – then what happens to us when we are engaged in organisations that are leading and breaking the sustainability barrier? The ten papers in this important issue explore the proposition that the quest for sustainability is the most significant human development opportunity of the 21st century – and that when people learn about and work toward building a sustainable world they too are poised to flourish in ways that elevate innovation, personal excellence and workplace well-being.

"In a world where just about every corporation is going greener and more socially responsible, and where many have found that building a better world and building a stronger business indeed go hand in hand, it is time for scholars and managers alike to explore the impact of sustainability action on the workforce and people; that is, to study exactly how the quest for sustainable value affects the human side of enterprise. If, as Aristotle observed, we are what we repeatedly do – and if much if not most of our waking lives is spent in the context of organisations – then what happens to us when we are engaged in organisations that are leading and breaking the sustainability barrier?The ten papers in this important issue explore the proposition that the quest for sustainability is the most significant human development opportunity of the 21st century – and that when people learn about and work toward building a sustainable world they too are poised to flourish in ways that elevate innovation, personal excellence and workplace well-being."--Provided by publisher.

In this book, experts discuss whether volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA) represent a challenge or a business opportunity. More intense debates on global climate change, increased turbulence in financial quarters, increased job insecurity and high levels of stress at the workplace are attracting attention in the context of organization behavior and entrepreneurship. Fear and confusion have become part and parcel of business, often undermining trust, cooperation and inspiration. As a response, a new way of organizing self-management has emerged. The book combines practical wisdom from East and West, to develop integrative self-management theory and practice; provides direction to support an integrative mind-set, integrative organization and integrative leadership; and presents VUCA as an opportunity and necessity for development and growth, rather than a threat.

Oxford Handbooks offer authoritative and up-to-date reviews of original research in a particular subject area. Specially commissioned chapters from leading figures in the discipline give critical examinations of the progress and direction of debates, as well as a foundation for future research. Oxford Handbooks provide scholars and graduate students with compelling new perspectives upon a wide range of subjects in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences. Part of the Oxford Library of Psychology, the Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology and Work examines what positive psychology offers to our understanding of key issues in working life today. Drawing on the disparate literatures from positive psychology, management, I/O psychology, and human resources, the volume begins with a consideration of the changing world of work that sets the context for the rest of the book and then moves into a specific consideration of work issues from the perspective of positive psychology. Chapters focus on such topics as strengths, leadership, human resource management, employee engagement, communications, well-being, and work-life balance. The volume will be a core resource for both researchers and practitioners interested in the application of positive psychology to work.

Practicing business with a conscience leaves no sector untouched. It trickles into how we treat our employees; approach our work in general; address stakeholders; engage in accounting, financial, and production management practices; implement and manage information technology; communicate on a direct and indirect basis; and market what we stand for. Business has encountered an interesting evolution in the first two decades of the twenty-first century, with social media as a catalyst aiding greater understanding and improvement regarding the critical value of soft skills, workplace diversity, change readiness, moral responsibility, sustainable awareness, and a general socially responsible mindset. This amalgamate spirit of business as we envision it in both the near and far future has found its way in all segments of business education, research, and practice. Adhering to the global trend of increased responsibility and evoking a constructive change in the narrative of business, this Research Companion serves as a critical reference work for business scholars and practitioners in various settings. It brings together contributing scholars from multiple business areas, from a variety of cultures and locations of the world, in order to achieve the compilation of a reference work that will find an expansive appeal. Including insights from the broad business spectrum ranging from internal managerial practices to strategic applications, including international sensitivity, this volume highlights the urgency for increased awareness in business decision-making on all fronts. It will be of great value to researchers, academics, practitioners, and students in the fields of corporate social responsibility, business ethics, leadership, organizational studies, and entrepreneurship.

Positive psychology is the scientific study of what goes right in life, from birth to death and at all stops in between. It is a newly-christened approach within psychology that takes seriously the examination of that which makes life most worth living. Everyone's life has peaks and valleys, and positive psychology does not deny the valleys. Its signature premise is more nuanced, but nonetheless important: what is good about life is as genuine as what is bad and, therefore, deserves equal attention from psychologists. Positive psychology as an explicit perspective has existed only since 1998, but enough relevant theory and research now exist to fill a textbook suitable for a semester-long college course. A Primer in Positive Psychology is thoroughly grounded in scientific research and covers major topics of concern to the field: positive experiences such as pleasure and flow; positive traits such as character strengths, values, and talents; and the social institutions that enable these subjects as well as what recent research might contribute to this knowledge. Every chapter contains exercises that illustrate positive psychology, a glossary, suggestions of articles and books for further reading, and lists of films, websites, and popular songs that embody chapter themes. A comprehensive overview of positive psychology by one of the acknowledged leaders in the field, this textbook provides students with a thorough introduction to an important area of psychology.

Work and well-being is one of the fastest growing areas of concern to business, public sector and government. This book looks at the causes of stress in the modern work-place, and offers practical advice for managers on how to combat stress in their employees, and put in place strategies for developing a healthy workplace.

This ground-breaking Research Handbook showcases the value, uniqueness, versatility, and holistic character of organisational integrity. Bringing together diverse perspectives from a wide range of expert contributors, it not only provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of the field, but also charts exciting new directions for future research.

The Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology is the seminal reference in the field of positive psychology, which continues to transcend the boundaries of academia to capture the imagination of the general public. Almost 20 years after the first publication of this groundbreaking reference, this new third edition showcases how positive psychology is thriving in diverse contexts and fields of psychology. Consisting of 68 chapters of the most current theory and research, this updated handbook provides an unparalleled cross-disciplinary look at positive psychology from diverse fields and all branches of psychology, including social, clinical, personality, counseling, health, school, and developmental psychology. Several new chapters are included which highlight the latest research on positive psychology and neuroscience, as well as growing areas for applications of positive psychology.