Fred Luthans, Carolyn M. Youssef, and Bruce J. Avolio
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195187526
- eISBN:
- 9780199789863
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195187526.003.0004
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Organization Studies
This chapter first defines PsyCap optimism by using Martin Seligman's explanatory or attribution style, i.e., optimists take credit for positive events in their lives and for negative events ...
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This chapter first defines PsyCap optimism by using Martin Seligman's explanatory or attribution style, i.e., optimists take credit for positive events in their lives and for negative events attribute to the external, temporary, and specific to the situation causes. After noting other conceptions of optimism based on emotional dimensions and future expectations, emphasis is given to the realistic and flexible qualifiers of PsyCap optimism. The remainder of the chapter then makes the case for the importance of optimism at the employee, organizational leader, and overall organizational levels. Specific attention is given to developing realistic optimism in today's workforce. The concluding sections recognize some of the potential pitfalls and point to future directions for research and practice.Less
This chapter first defines PsyCap optimism by using Martin Seligman's explanatory or attribution style, i.e., optimists take credit for positive events in their lives and for negative events attribute to the external, temporary, and specific to the situation causes. After noting other conceptions of optimism based on emotional dimensions and future expectations, emphasis is given to the realistic and flexible qualifiers of PsyCap optimism. The remainder of the chapter then makes the case for the importance of optimism at the employee, organizational leader, and overall organizational levels. Specific attention is given to developing realistic optimism in today's workforce. The concluding sections recognize some of the potential pitfalls and point to future directions for research and practice.
