The Potential Impact of Positive Organizational Behavior on the Library Working Environment: An Introduction for Library Administrators

Abstract

Abstract In the workplace, the aim of positive organizational behavior (POB) is to promote the strengths and proficiencies of the institution’s human capital in the belief that doing so increases work productivity and boosts employee morale while decreasing stress and employee burnout. POB, incorporating the tenets of positive psychology within its framework, emphasizes that the psychological states of self-efficacy, hope, optimism, and resiliency are able to be quantified, improved, and controlled. The purpose of this chapter is to introduce the concept of POB, to explore its impact on leadership development (particularly by examining the authentic leadership model), to discuss its human resource development (HRD) applications in the workplace, and to apply the POB concept to academic and public library directors with the aim of producing a better working environment for all library staff. A conceptual approach is employed throughout the chapter to provide a theoretical analysis of how the POB concept could be utilized by library administrators. Using a variety of tools such as modeling, coaching, and rewarding innovation to produce the desired behaviors in subordinates, administrators can help to create an organizational climate within their institutions that values positivity over negativity. As a recently emerged phenomenon, POB is still developing, producing two important concepts on its own, namely authentic leadership and psychological capital, which have not been applied to the library profession. This chapter adds a unique perspective to the growing POB literature.