Happiness, Work Engagement, and Organizational Commitment of Staff - Literature review Example

Happiness at the workplace Name: Tutor: Course: Date: PARTA: ARTICLE SUMMARY AND REVIEW Introduction The aim of this article and summary review is to identify and analyze five articles by Thummakul, et al. (2012), Field & Buitendach (2011), Saenghiran (2013), Wesarat, et al. (2015) and Gupta (2012) with regard to happiness at workplace. Thummakul, et al. (2012) studied employed mixed research methods from 101 organizations to determine happy work place index while Field & Buitendach (2011) undertook a study on support staff intended to relate happiness with organizational commitment and work engagement. Saenghiran (2013) undertook a case study of 404 administrative staff that from inventory and finance departments. Wesarat, et al. (2015) in their article presents a conceptual framework of workplace happiness while Gupta (2012) shows in their article the relevance and the need to be happy at the workplace. Context Thummakul, et al. (2012) obtained 39 indices and five dimensions to happiness in the workplace; HR, environment and atmosphere, healthy organization creation process, results and physical and mental health. This article resonated with that of Wesarat, et al (2015) on the concept of happiness being drawn from a number of studies and taken as a function of employment status, friendship, work activities, and income. The article then develops these constructs as independent variables and happiness at the workplace with cultural values being a moderating variable. Gupta (2012) is the only author who provides a broad definition of happiness, importance of being happy at work and development of positive emotions. The article goes ahead to list about 7 surveys conducted by various research firms while Field & Buitendach (2011) reviewed literature thoroughly despite the sample size being small and not suitable for one organization to allow generalization of findings. Methods Thummakul, et al. (2012) study applied rather old authority (Yamane, 1973) in determining sample size. It was not also possible to distinguish the responses from the 101 organizations which are from different sectors. On the other hand, Field & Buitendach (2011) based their survey on 123 support staff from a college in South Africa. Their study used convenience sampling was used to sample respondents which also depict a weak method that leads to sampling errors compared to Saenghiran (2013) which involved experimental analysis of data, mainly control and treatment groups of 404 respondents from inventory and finance departments. Of all, Wesarat, et al. (2015) used a simple construct of independent variables and happiness at the workplace with cultural values being a moderating variable to make the study simple and easy to understand. Similarly, Gupta (2012) article did not provide empirical evidence of sample size, type of respondents and results in some cases. Moreover, the article did not make a conclusion despite having an abstract. Overall, the articles have a healthy combination of research design, qualitative and quantitative which helps to compensate for each other’s weaknesses. Random sampling of data offered a credible sample with no biasness and errors. Both questionnaires and interviews were employed to get an in-depth perspective of the variables being investigated. Results Thummakul, et al. (2012) study found work environment valuable under work environment and atmosphere. Workplace safety is crucial under human resource while high level of happiness is required in physical and mental health. This was consistent with the findings of Field & Buitendach (2011) that paper compared to the other three articles provides a deeper understanding of happiness and how it affects other aspects in the workplace such as work engagement and organizational commitment. However, Saenghiran (2013) showed that happiness at work involve subjective happiness and job satisfaction despite the sample size being good enough to allow generalization of findings. Wesarat, et al. (2015) ignored the existence of work/life balance and personal development goals which are intertwined with that of the organization but appreciates the fact that happiness at the workplace requires further research. Gupta (2012) did not provide empirical evidence of sample size, type of respondents and results in some cases but gave a historical foundation on workplace happiness and variety of examples of organizations that have managed to develop workplace happiness. Conclusion All the articles have good conclusion with Thummakul, et al. (2012) stating that the difficulty in understanding given the many indices that correspond to the specific components. This article is great for managers and company CEOs to ingrain physical and mental health of employees in their strategic plans. Field & Buitendach (2011) concludes that there is a significant positive relationship existing between happiness and affective organizational commitment. Furthermore, Saenghiran (2013) goes on to comment that workshops can be used by human resource managers to inculcate positive thinking and behavior, and also transform negative thoughts among staff members. Wesarat, et al. (2015) made a good attempt to understand happiness from a broad perspective and as defined by several authors. The work of Gupta (2012) reaffirms that happy employees were better place to handle change, stress and workplace relationships. The article did not make a conclusion despite having an abstract. Limitations of the study Thummakul, et al. (2012) article is difficult to understand given the many indices that correspond to the specific components. In Field & Buitendach (2011) the review of literature was thorough but the sample size and use of one organization to generalize findings may not be tenable. Moreover, convenience sampling was used to sample respondents which also depict a weak method that leads to sampling errors. Saenghiran (2013) did not show the questionnaire return rate, and as well it did not capture the effect of intervening variables such as better remuneration systems and leadership styles. Wesarat, et al. (2015) ignored the existence of work/life balance and personal development goals which are intertwined with that of the organization. This article does not have sample size of research studies that are needed to inform the range of constructs. Moreover, Gupta (2012) did not provide empirical evidence of sample size, type of respondents and results in some cases. Moreover, the article did not make a conclusion despite having an abstract. This article could be more academic, if it had recommendations, especially to human resource development practitioners and consultants. PART B: IMPLEMENTATION, SUMMARY AND REFLECTION I: Three Week Timeline of Activities WEEK 1 Monday April 11, 2016 Introduce the concept of happy feelings; content, proud, pleasant, joyful, good, and excited and enthusiasm. Ask for volunteers to do a role-play and choose one of the following scenarios; bullying on the workplace, gym teacher yelling at you, I missed the morning bus to work and my friends did not invite me to a party. Observe and record the happy feelings on logbook Tuesday April 12, 2016 Search literature on definition and description of ‘Happiness’ Record the sources and explanations on logbook Wednesday April 13, 2016 Watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvxMyOoRVJc by Charlie Brown ‘You’re a Goodman’ and Ken Dodd’s ‘Happiness’ in https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhqlmdrk5Ns Record your feelings regarding the two songs on logbook Thursday April 14, 2016 Spin a wheel with writings; Watch and listen, remember, imagine, ask and show you care. Ask questions on happiness on the chosen item. Record answers on the logbook Friday April 15, 2016 Watch a motivational speaker Nic Marks on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-8mTWGleow Record your feelings and thoughts on his speech on logbook Saturday April 16, 2016 Imagine you are reporting to your workmates on phone about an exciting trip to the Bahamas Record your feelings on logbook Sunday April 17, 2016 Visit the sick in hospital and inspire happiness and empathy Reflect on your activities WEEK 2 Monday April 18, 2016 Write a short story or Draw four pictures on how you felt; Nervous, disappointed, excited or scared Record on the logbook Tuesday April 19, 2016 In a group of five, discuss your body behavior when experiencing the following; heart beating faster, feeling flushed and hot, sweaty and having butterflies in the stomach Observe and record the findings on logbook Wednesday April 20, 2016 Create a collage that demonstrates a number of activities students do as a group. Label the collage and create a word bank. Record the feelings connected to this activity Thursday April 21, 2016 Read a book by Dan Baker ‘What Happy people Know’ and express your opinions on relationship between happiness, fear and spirituality Record your opinions and thoughts on logbook Friday April 22, 2016 Visit a waterfall or a gorge and feel the cold breeze Reflect on your feelings at that point Saturday April 23,2016 Attend a birthday party of a friend and participate actively Reflect on your feelings at that point Sunday April 24, 2016 Reflect on your opinions, thoughts and feelings of the week on the logbook WEEK 3 Monday April 25, 2016 Form two groups. Create a sculpture with bodies demonstrating happiness. Add movement and sounds to show happiness. Explain the actions in the sculpture and record in the logbook Tuesday April 26, 2016 Form three groups and, in a discussion, ask the following questions; What causes you to choose happiness? Do you need to have some ‘things’ in order to be happy? Record your observations and thoughts on logbook Wednesday April 27, 2016 One of the group members to present a speech on ‘Why I choose happiness’ Listen carefully and record the perspectives of the speaker Thursday April 28, 2016 Do short plays on positive self-esteem and self-image Record your observations Friday April 28, 2016 Set a stage and do a short drama event on Happiness Record your observations and findings on logbook Saturday April 29, 2016 List and discuss skills and aspects related to happiness such as respect, willingness to help, cooperation, empathy and positive social skills Record your observations and learning points Sunday April 30, 2016 Reflect on your weeks findings and observations Compile a short report to be presented to the class the following day Monday May 1, 2016 Report to the class on the three week findings, observations, thoughts, opinions and feelings Ask for comments or feedback II: Implementation-Paper Diary WEEK 1 Monday April 11, 2016 In a team of 6, we discussed happy feelings with regard to concepts such as pleasant, joyful, excited and enthusiastic. To highlight these concepts, we did a role-play on bullying on the workplace. I recorded on my logbook. I observed that when one of the characters who was overbearing was not taken well be the character acting as new employee. Tuesday April 12, 2016 I searched the literature for definition of ‘Happiness’ in Gupta (2012) and Wesarat (2014). I learned that happiness is the satisfaction of people at the workplace, and involves positive moods and emotions as well as well-being. Wednesday April 13, 2016 On YouTube, I watched ‘You’re a Goodman’ by Charlie Brown and Ken Dodd’s ‘Happiness’. In the 3-hour clips, I felt refreshed and upbeat to learn that being happy improves your well-being and relevance in life. Thursday April 14, 2016 Our team was set before a wheel. We spun the wheel with writings; Watch and listen, remember, imagine, ask and show you care. I was asked to imagine how I would feel if I was offered a scholarship by my employer. I realized that in the imagination, I was already expressing positive feelings about my employer. Friday April 15, 2016 I watched ‘Nic Marks’ motivational speech. I learned that motivation uplifts the mind and gives energy to start a new work day despite its challenges. Saturday April 16, 2016 I captured my imaginations on how I report to my workmates on phone about an exciting trip to the Bahamas paid by employer. I felt elated and excited on how I would relay messages of happiness and new experiences. Sunday April 17, 2016 I visited the sick in Bayern hospital and inspired happiness and empathy. I learned that by sharing with others, one develops positive energy and attitudes. WEEK 2 Monday April 18, 2016 I drew four pictures on how I felt; Nervous, disappointed, excited or scared. I gave the pictures to my team. One of the team members noted that I was flowing with energy in the picture that I was excited. On the other hand, I felt restrained and gloomy in the picture that showed my disappointment. Tuesday April 19, 2016 In a group of five, we discussed body behavior when feeling sweaty and having butterflies in the stomach on impending downsizing. I realized that when one has bad expectations about work, they are no longer happy. Wednesday April 20, 2016 I created a collage to demonstrate a number of activities students do as a group. I label the collage and create a word bank such as gloomy, sad, happy, expectant, and excited. I realized that facial characteristics can define one moods and feelings which can easily be noted by colleagues and managers. Thursday April 21, 2016 I read a book by Dan Baker ‘What Happy people Know’. I the second chapter, I got to understand that there is a relationship between happiness, fear and spirituality. I learned that well-being at the workplace is a mixture of fear, emotions, and happy feelings. Friday April 22, 2016 I visited Ganges waterfall. I stood at the bottom of the fall and swam for some time. I felt relieved and refreshed thereafter. I realized that taking a break from work helps to generate happiness from within. Saturday April 23,2016 I attended Jack, my workmate, birthday party of a friend and participated in welcoming his visitors. I felt happy and elated to have made a friend happy. Sunday April 24, 2016 I learned that happiness is an inner positive feeling which is generated internally and can be shared with people around us. WEEK 3 Monday April 25, 2016 In group of seven we formed a sculpture with bodies demonstrating happiness. We then added movement and sounds to show happiness. We noted that the sculptures can be used to simulate how humans can express moods and feelings based on situations. Tuesday April 26, 2016 In one group, we discussed; causes you to choose happiness, and whether one needs to have some ‘things’ in order to be happy. I learned that happiness is about being completely engaged, positive emotions and having inner feelings of being important. Achieving one’s goals is one way to be happy. Wednesday April 27, 2016 One of the group members presented a speech on ‘Why I choose happiness’. I listened carefully and noted that pleasure has the ability to draw pleasure and success at the workplace. It is about helping other workers achieve their goals. Thursday April 28, 2016 We did a short play on positive self-image. I noted that having a certain self-image that reflects that of the institution is one way to be happy. Friday April 28, 2016 We set a stage and did a short drama event on Happiness. I realized that I was happy at the end of the drama session. I learned that happiness is the ultimate good and a reason to have a liking for your family and workplace. Saturday April 29, 2016 Our group listed and discussed skills and aspects related to happiness such as respect, willingness to help, cooperation, empathy and positive social skills. I noticed that someone who is happy has empathy, respect and positive social skills. I learned that a happy person is willing to do something worthwhile. Sunday April 30, 2016 I learned that happiness has the ability to generate the best out of a human being. I also realized that happiness can emerge from positive events but it is inwardly derived. Monday May 1, 2016 I have learned that happiness is subjective, creates satisfaction and is about feelings. I noticed that working on positive emotions and moods creates happy feelings such as excitement, pleasant, joyful, and enthusiasm. III: Summary and reflection The topic of happiness has thought me how positive feelings and pleasure can lead to happiness at the workplace. I learned that being happy is not merely absence of mental illness but the presence of more positive feelings than the negative. Happiness can be triggered through actions, words, pictures and the social environment. I learned that people who are happy with their lives are preferably happy in their workplaces. Knowing what makes people happy will be important for my future roles as a middle level manager. For example, I learned that happy people are more satisfied and committed to their tasks. I will use this observation in future to ensure that employees are well trained and happier in their workplaces. My observations and learning points resonate with that of Gupta (2012) that positive emotions are required to express love, interest and joy at the workplace. I learned that happy people can be productive and perceive their tasks or duties with some level of importance. This learning point is also consistent with that of Wesarat, et al. (2015) that happiness at the workplace is about developing positive friendship and engaging in work activities that trigger happiness. In the plays, drama and the pictures, I found that images and sounds trigger happiness and can be influenced by the brain, heart, society, money, family and the soul to be happy. I found that this was consistent with the findings of Saenghiran (2013) on job satisfaction, feelings at work and happiness. The three week exercise has thought me to be happy as happiness will help me to be productive, socially responsive and committed to my work tasks and those of subordinates. I have found my inner thoughts and feelings and I can now work on activities and roles that promote happiness. I learned that it is good to be with people who are happy and are satisfied with their jobs. By staying in a team of motivated and happy colleagues, I will also be happy. I learned that happiness at workplace is very important. It is critical area that has been largely ignored over a longtime. While working with a group of 10 employees, I first tried to understand their emotions, feelings and level of job satisfaction. I then made comments and remarks that trigger excitement and pleasure in the team. The reaction was great, and I knew that workmates or colleagues were happy to be associated with positive feelings. Secondly, I presented a short motivational speech and then a plenary session. I then tried to get their responses on the tone and feelings about the speech. I found that they showed pleasure, positive feelings and excitement. Lastly, I took the same colleagues through a one week training session on motivation and satisfaction at the work place. I later got comments and opinions from them. They indicated that the training and workshops had helped to develop enthusiasm and positive feelings about work. I learned that workshops as suggested by Saenghiran (2013) had the ability to trigger pleasure, job satisfaction, positive feelings about work and general contentment and happiness in life. I learned that a manager needs to balance between professional, technical activities and work-life balance for employees to be satisfied and feel happy about their work roles. I think managers should learn from best practices of organizations that have succeeded in promoting well-being in their organizations through better pay, working conditions, good relationships and leadership and balanced work roles. I also learned that happy employees are more productive and contented which reduces employee turnover intentions. I feel that employees have an opportunity to better their lives, be committed to the organization by being productive and demonstrating love and contentment for work. References Field, LK & Buitendach, JH 2011, Happiness, work engagement and organizational commitment of support staff at a tertiary education institution in South Africa, South African Journal of Industrial Psychology, vol. 37, no. 1, pp. 2-10. Gupta, V 2012, Importance of being happy at work, International Journal of Research and Development - A Management Review, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 9-12. Saenghiran, N 2013, Towards enhancing happiness at work: A case study, Social Research Reports, vol. 25, no. 2, pp. 21-33. Thummakul, D Kaeodumkoeng, K Prasertsin, U Sinjindawong, S & Makmee, P 2012, The development of happy workplace index, International Journal of Business and Management Studies, vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 527-536. Wesarat, P Sharif, MY & Majid, AH 2015, A conceptual framework of happiness at the workplace, Asian social science, vol. 11, no. 2, pp. 78-82. Appendices Read More