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When Theory and Research Collide: Examining Correlates of Signature Strengths Use at Work

Author

Listed:
  • Hadassah Littman-Ovadia

    (Ariel University)

  • Shiri Lavy

    (University of Haifa)

  • Maayan Boiman-Meshita

    (Ariel University)

Abstract

Signature strengths are individuals’ highest-ranked strengths, those that they own, celebrate, and frequently exercise. Their use has been theorized to elicit positive affect, and contribute significantly to individuals’ functioning and well-being. The present study examined two elements of these ideas in the work arena: (a) Associations of strengths use at work with work outcomes (work meaningfulness, engagement, job satisfaction, performance, organizational citizenship behavior, and counterproductive work behaviors), focusing on differences in the associations of signature-strengths use, lowest-strengths use, and happiness strengths-use at work; (b) The role of positive affect in mediating these associations. The results, based on self-reports of an international sample of 1031 working individuals, generally indicated that the use of all kinds of strengths had positive correlates. As expected, using signature strengths had the highest, robust unique contribution to behavioral outcomes (performance, organizational citizenship behavior, and lower counterproductive work behavior). But unexpectedly, using happiness strengths (and not signature strengths) had the highest, robust unique contribution to psycho-emotional work-related outcomes (work meaningfulness, engagement, and job satisfaction). Positive affect mediated the association between strengths use and all work-related outcomes for the three kinds of strengths, when each was examined separately. However, when uses of the three kinds of strengths were examined together, positive affect mediated the effects of lowest strengths use and those of happiness strengths use, but not the effects of signature strengths use. These findings highlight the differential benefits of using different kinds of strengths, and suggest that additional (and different) mechanisms may underlie these effects.

Suggested Citation

  • Hadassah Littman-Ovadia & Shiri Lavy & Maayan Boiman-Meshita, 2017. "When Theory and Research Collide: Examining Correlates of Signature Strengths Use at Work," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 18(2), pages 527-548, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:18:y:2017:i:2:d:10.1007_s10902-016-9739-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-016-9739-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nansook Park & Christopher Peterson, 2006. "Character Strengths and Happiness among Young Children: Content Analysis of Parental Descriptions," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 7(3), pages 323-341, September.
    2. Claudia Harzer & Willibald Ruch, 2013. "The Application of Signature Character Strengths and Positive Experiences at Work," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 14(3), pages 965-983, June.
    3. Fabian Gander & René Proyer & Willibald Ruch & Tobias Wyss, 2013. "Strength-Based Positive Interventions: Further Evidence for Their Potential in Enhancing Well-Being and Alleviating Depression," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 14(4), pages 1241-1259, August.
    4. René Proyer & Willibald Ruch & Claudia Buschor, 2013. "Testing Strengths-Based Interventions: A Preliminary Study on the Effectiveness of a Program Targeting Curiosity, Gratitude, Hope, Humor, and Zest for Enhancing Life Satisfaction," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 14(1), pages 275-292, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Hadassah Littman-Ovadia & Pavel Freidlin, 2020. "Positive Psychopathology and Positive Functioning: OCD, Flourishing and Satisfaction with Life through the Lens of Character Strength Underuse, Overuse and Optimal Use," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 15(2), pages 529-549, April.
    2. Alexandra Huber & Cornelia Strecker & Melanie Hausler & Timo Kachel & Thomas Höge & Stefan Höfer, 2020. "Possession and Applicability of Signature Character Strengths: What Is Essential for Well-Being, Work Engagement, and Burnout?," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 15(2), pages 415-436, April.
    3. Ana Globočnik Žunac, 2024. "The Well-Being Equation: Investigating Critics, Negative Emotions, and Demotivation in the Workplace," Central European Business Review, Prague University of Economics and Business, vol. 2024(1), pages 105-121.
    4. Thomas Höge & Cornelia Strecker & Melanie Hausler & Alexandra Huber & Stefan Höfer, 2020. "Perceived Socio-moral Climate and the Applicability of Signature Character Strengths at Work: a Study among Hospital Physicians," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 15(2), pages 463-484, April.
    5. Shiri Lavy, 2020. "A Review of Character Strengths Interventions in Twenty-First-Century Schools: their Importance and How they can be Fostered," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 15(2), pages 573-596, April.
    6. Marc-Antoine Gradito Dubord & Jacques Forest & Lina Marija Balčiūnaitė & Evamaria Rauen & Tomas Jungert, 2022. "The power of strength-oriented feedback enlightened by self-determination theory: a positive technology-based intervention," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 23(6), pages 2827-2848, August.
    7. Marine Miglianico & Philippe Dubreuil & Paule Miquelon & Arnold B. Bakker & Charles Martin-Krumm, 2020. "Strength Use in the Workplace: A Literature Review," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 21(2), pages 737-764, February.
    8. Wei Liu & Dimitri Linden & Arnold B. Bakker, 2022. "Does Strengths Use Mean Better Focus? Well-being and Attentional Performance at the Episodic Level," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 23(6), pages 2763-2785, August.
    9. Meyers, Maria Christina & van Woerkom, Marianne & Bauwens, Robin, 2023. "Stronger together: A multilevel study of collective strengths use and team performance," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 159(C).
    10. Cornelia Strecker & Alexandra Huber & Thomas Höge & Melanie Hausler & Stefan Höfer, 2020. "Identifying thriving Workplaces in Hospitals: Work Characteristics and the Applicability of Character Strengths at Work," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 15(2), pages 437-461, April.
    11. Theresa Anne Manson & Maureen Nokuthula Sibiya & Zerish Zethu Nkosi, 2020. "Mixed Methods Development of a Leadership Framework for Generation Y Bedside Nurses," Global Journal of Health Science, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 12(1), pages 124-124, January.
    12. Nicola S. Schutte & John M. Malouff, 2019. "The Impact of Signature Character Strengths Interventions: A Meta-analysis," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 20(4), pages 1179-1196, April.

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