PERMA THEORY: THE KEY TO ORGANIZATIONAL HAPPINESS
Keywords:
PERMA theory, organizational happiness, human resource development, employee engagement, work performanceAbstract
The PERMA theory, pioneered by Martin Seligman, provides a foundational framework for fostering well-being and thriving across personal and professional domains. This model is comprised of five essential elements: Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Achievement. Within organizational contexts, the application of PERMA has demonstrated
significant potential to enhance employee engagement, boost work performance, and cultivate a positive organizational culture. This scholarly article systematically addresses: 1) The origins and critical importance of PERMA theory, including its foundational principles, development, and relevance within organizational settings; 2) A detailed examination of the five elements of PERMA in relation to organizational dynamics, drawing links to complementary concepts such as Csikszentmihalyi’s Flow theory and Kahn’s theory of employee engagement; 3) A review of recent empirical research on the organizational applications of PERMA, identifying salient findings and emergent research trends; 4) A comprehensive analysis of each element within the PERMA framework as it pertains to organizational environments, with cross-references to relevant theoretical perspectives; and 5) Pactical recommendations for leveraging the PERMA model within human resource development to cultivate a productive, well-being-centered organizational culture. This article provides a robust synthesis of theoretical insights and actionable strategies, supported by recent research on PERMA’s efficacy in organizational development, making it a valuable resource for executives and human resource professionals seeking to strategically implement PERMA to drive organizational happiness and optimize performance
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