Accentuate the Positive: Which Discrete Positive Emotions Predict Which Work Outcomes?

Abstract

Existing research on positive emotions in organizations focuses on generalized positive affective states, yet theory and preliminary empirical findings suggest that workplace affective experiences are much more nuanced. We test the idea that discrete positive emotions relate to different work-related attitudes and behaviors among 200 supervisor–subordinate dyads. Findings lend preliminary empirical support for the differentiation of positive emotions at work, and suggest that discrete positive emotions should be individually examined in future research endeavors.