Exploring Positive Relationships at Work: Building a Theoretical and Research Foundation (Series in Organization and Management)

November 17, 2006

By: Jane Dutton, Belle Rose Ragins

This edited volume brings together a select group of leading organizational scholars for the purpose of developing a foundation-setting book on positive relationships at work. Positive Relationships at Work (PRW) is a rich new interdisciplinary domain of inquiry that focuses on the generative processes, relational mechanisms and outcomes associated with positive relationships between people at work. This volume builds a solid foundation for this promising new area of scholarly inquiry and offers a multidisciplinary exploration of how relationships at work become a source of growth, vitality, learning and generative states of human and collective flourishing. A unique feature of the book is the use of a connecting commentator chapter at the end of each section. The Commentator Chapters, written by preeminent scholars, uncover and discuss integrative themes that emerge within sections.

The editors approach the topic from multiple levels, each level providing critical, valuable insights into the dynamic process underlying positive relationships at work. These levels are arranged in five parts:

  • an introduction to positive relationships at work;
  • Individuals and Dyads;
  • Groups and Communities;
  • Organizations and Organizing; and
  • a conclusion that offers an engaging invitation and multi-level map for guiding future research.

This volume will appeal to academics and practitioners, as well as scholars and graduate students in organizational psychology, management, human resources, and inter-personal communications.