Positioning mindfulness as psychological capital

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the existing literature on workplace mindfulness and suggest positive organizational behavior (POB) scholarship as a suitable domain to understand the scientific and secular nature of mindfulness. Design/methodology/approach This conceptual paper is based on the critical analysis of the literature on POB and contemporary mindfulness at work. This paper highlights the limitations of workplace mindfulness in terms of its research and practice. Then, the limitations of workplace mindfulness are analyzed in relation to POB scholarship to suggest a way forward for research and practice. Findings The findings imply that contemporary mindfulness meets the inclusion criteria of psychological capital and thus it can be adopted and investigated in the workplace using the POB scholarship. Practical implications It suggests implications for research and practice by considering mindfulness as a psychological capital construct in the workplace context. Originality/value Mindfulness is an interesting topic for organizational researchers, and many organizations are adopting mindfulness to improve their workplace functioning. In recent years, scholars have highlighted potential ethical issues with the adoption of the spiritual and religious nature of mindfulness for workplace benefits. In this regard, the understanding of the scientific and secular nature of mindfulness is limited in organizational literature. This paper advances the knowledge of the literature on contemporary mindfulness and POB and argues the importance of the inclusion of mindfulness in psychological capital.