ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book defines the meaning of positive, briefly traces the inception of positive approaches in organizational studies and clarifies the mutual relationship between positive and negative. It discusses personal strengths and considers the importance of personal dispositions. The book focuses on state-like characteristics, specifically psychological capital. It considers emotions as an evolutionary tool and also discusses the importance of cultivating positive emotional capabilities within an organizational context, along with the significance of what has been termed emotional intelligence in organizational life. It explores the importance of work design for human flourishing. The book explains organizations as relational spaces by considering the nature of positive, generative relationship as well as the difference made by conversations in establishing organizational patterns of communication.
