The value of positive psychological capital in predicting desirable and undesirable attitudes and behaviours at work

Abstract

Due to the competitive nature of the industry, retail organizations thrive on enhanced performance and the leverage of competitive advantage. In order for organizations to develop and sustain competitive advantage, human resource strategies should be formulated considering the factors that are highly unique and valuable, context specific, hard to imitate, and non-substitutable (Youssef & Luthans, 2007). In other words, in order to remain competitive, organizations need to focus on enhancing the value of their human resources in order to improve the ultimate psychological health of the organization (Toor & Offori, 2010). Psychological capital has gained prominence as an important construct on organizational behaviour research. Psychological capital is rooted in the theory of positive organizational behaviour which focuses on what is right with individuals and building on strengths. PsyCap recognizes the value of positively oriented human-resource strengths and psychological capacities that can be measured and developed in order for organizations to truly thrive under the pressures oftoday's workplace (Luthans & Youssef, 2004).