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A Socially Embedded Model of Thriving at Work

Author

Listed:
  • Gretchen Spreitzer

    (Center for Positive Organizational Scholarship, Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, 701 E. Tappan Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109)

  • Kathleen Sutcliffe

    (Center for Positive Organizational Scholarship, Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, 701 E. Tappan Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109)

  • Jane Dutton

    (Center for Positive Organizational Scholarship, Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, 701 E. Tappan Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109)

  • Scott Sonenshein

    (Center for Positive Organizational Scholarship, Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, 701 E. Tappan Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109)

  • Adam M. Grant

    (Center for Positive Organizational Scholarship, Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, 701 E. Tappan Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109)

Abstract

Thriving describes an individual’s experience of vitality and learning. The primary goal of this paper is to develop a model that illuminates the social embeddedness of employees’ thriving at work. First, we explain why thriving is a useful theoretical construct, define thriving, and compare it to related constructs, including resilience, flourishing, subjective well-being, flow, and self-actualization. Second, we describe how work contexts facilitate agentic work behaviors, which in turn produce resources in the doing of work and serve as the engine of thriving. Third, we describe how thriving serves as a gauge to facilitate self-adaptation at work. We conclude by highlighting key theoretical contributions of the model and suggesting directions for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Gretchen Spreitzer & Kathleen Sutcliffe & Jane Dutton & Scott Sonenshein & Adam M. Grant, 2005. "A Socially Embedded Model of Thriving at Work," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 16(5), pages 537-549, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ororsc:v:16:y:2005:i:5:p:537-549
    DOI: 10.1287/orsc.1050.0153
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Martha S. Feldman, 2004. "Resources in Emerging Structures and Processes of Change," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 15(3), pages 295-309, June.
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