Chapter 7.1: THE VALUE OF POSITIVITY

positive deviance

Successful performance that dramatically exceeds the norm in a positive direction. Exceptionally positive means above and beyond expectations, more than making the grade.

Positivity effect

The attraction of all living systems toward positive energy and away from negative energy, or toward that which is life giving and away from that which is life depleting.

Positive outcomes are generated through three processes:

*Amplifying effect *Buffering effect * Positivity Effect

Positive Organizational Behavior (Positive OB or POB)

A purposefully positive approach to managing the behavior of individuals, groups, and organizations.

Explain the benefits of positive organizational behavior:

Focuses on building positive qualities in and positive outcomes for individuals, groups, and organizations.

Positive OB focuses

On positive human, characteristics that can be measured, developed, and effectively managed for performance improvement. Focuses on creating exceptionally positive inputs, processes, and outcomes at all levels in the Organizing Framework. Exceptionally positive means above and beyond expectations, more than making the grade. This level of achievement is referred to as positive deviance.

Prosocial behaviors

Positive acts performed without the expectation of anything in return.

Buffering Effect

Positive practices and resources reduce the impact of negative events and stressors. When we are confronted with stressors or other¬ wise undesirable experiences, we utilize various social and personal resources to buffer or cope with them.11 At work, we use social support from helpful coworkers to cope, and/or we may use personal resources such as psychological capital described later in this chapter.

Amplifying Effect

Positive practices from one individual result in additional positive practices by others, which spur positivity in others, which generate other positive outcomes.

broaden-and-build theory

Proposes positive emotions broaden our attention and make us more open to experience.

Positive OB Practices That Foster Employee Positivity

*Provide decision making discretion* - Allowing employees to make decisions gives them a sense of control and greater opportunities for learning. *Share information* - Information helps employees see the impact of their work and how it fits into the big picture, like the vision and goals of the organization. *Minimize incivility Poor treatment* - for example bullying and rude behavior, has dramatic negative effects on outcomes in the Organizing Framework and often leads to uncivil behavior by the victims. Organizations need to select employees based on civility and take swift and appropriate action when incivility occurs. *Provide feedback* - Feedback can be motivational and instructional.