The influence of dysfunctional cognitions on job-related experiences and behaviour - a cognitive-behavioural perspective

Abstract

In the present article we assume that people with a high degree of dysfunctional cognition do not fulfil their potential. After introductory statements regarding the concept of job-related dysfunctional cognition, we show how dysfunctional cognition reduces employees' willingness to perform. Following this, we investigate the role that these mechanisms play in central, direct or indirect performance-relevant topics of economic psychology. We argue that dysfunctional cognition negatively affect phenomena such as: a) performance; b) stress and burnout; c) absenteeism and presenteeism; d) resistance to change; e) other areas. These topics are analysed from a cognitive-behavioural perspective. Finally, cognitive-behavioural training to reduce dysfunctional cognition is proposed. The paper contributes to theory due to its new and enlightening cognitive-behavioural perspective on the mentioned phenomena and practice as it describes how to cope with dysfunctional patterns of thinking and, thus, promote human resource development.