Strengths use at work: Positive and negative emotions as key processes explaining work performance

Abstract

AbstractStrengths use has been frequently associated with work performance. However, the psychological processes involved in this relation remain unclear. Drawing on the Broaden‐and‐Build theory of positive emotions and extending previous work on this topic, the objective of this study was to examine the mediator role of positive and negative emotions in the relation between strengths use and work performance. Results confirm previous findings regarding positive emotions, but further reveal that negative emotions also play a significant role in this relation. Taken together, these results suggest that strengths use in the workplace not only contributes to positive emotions, but also reduces the occurrence of negative emotions, which in turn promotes work performance. Implications for research and employee management are discussed.