ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses the contributions of different researchers who have been trying to delve into the complex issue of flow experience at work, its antecedents and its outcomes. In order to fully grasp the contribution of flow theory to organizational psychology, the book starts with the analysis of its distinctive motivational component, through a brief historical overview of the development of the concept of intrinsic motivation. It also argues that the distinction between leisure and work activities is artificial and that there are many work-related activities that are highly enjoyable and self-motivating. The book also argues that imposing external performance goals on a task may actually inhibit the flow experience and produce a negative relationship between flow and performance. It also discusses the main issues of flow which is to establish itself in the lexicon of organizational psychological constructs.
