Developing Virtues and Virtuous Behavior at Workplace

Abstract

This paper reports the results of four studies on the relationship between virtues and indicators of work engagement, satisfaction and psychological wellbeing among four groups of respondents (Canadian and Turkish nurses, physicians, and female managers) in two countries (Canada and Turkey). A virtue is any psychological process that enables a person to benefit oneself and others. Data were collected from respondents using anonymously completed questionnaires. Three virtues were considered: optimism, gratitude and proactive behavior. In general, scores on the three virtues were significantly and positively correlated. Hierarchical regression analyses, controlling for both personal demographic and work situation characteristics, indicated that virtues accounted for significant increments in explained variance on most of the outcome measures used in the various studies. Suggestions for increasing the levels of virtues through training are offered. This paper contributes to the emerging literature in positive organizational scholarship on the relationship of virtues to individual health and performance in work settings.