Prof Llewellyn van Zyl, extraordinary professor at the North-West University's (NWU’s) Optentia research unit, recently delivered a public lecture titled "Embracing the technological revolution".
Prof Van Zyl, a positive psychologist specialising in developing, implementing and evaluating positive psychological interventions, explored the concept of Positive Organisational Psychology (POP) and its potential to reshape the discourse of the discipline.
POP is an evidence-based, data-driven field that uses technological advancements and human-centred design to understand and enhance positive characteristics of individuals, organisations, and society for optimal psychological functioning, well-being and performance.
The lecture provided a fresh perspective on the future of positive psychology and its potential to promote organisational well-being and flourishing. It also highlighted the critical role of technology in advancing the field and facilitating transformative change.
“POP has contributed significantly to our understanding of work-related well-being and performance in the past two decades. However, the discipline is now on the cusp of a new wave of research and innovation that may reshape its discourse,” said Prof Van Zyl.
He started with an overview of POP's emergence, highlighting its key characteristics and exploring the factors behind its rapid growth and declining relevance. He then conceptualised POP 2.0, outlining its defining features and advocating for a broader scope, expanded focal audience, enhanced methodologies, and transformative role shifts for practitioners. He concluded by outlining opportunities, challenges and perspectives for the next wave of innovative research.
The lecture shed light on the multidisciplinary applicability of POP, as its theories, methods and approaches extend beyond traditional psychology domains. This interdisciplinary interest fosters further collaboration and knowledge exchange, enhancing POP's impact, visibility and credibility.
Prof Van Zyl's lecture also highlighted the potential of technology to revolutionise the field of positive psychology and promote organisational flourishing. The rise of neo-liberal ideology in Western societies, which emphasises happiness, individualism and self-improvement, aligns with the core principles of POP.
As organisations recognise the importance of positive organisational practices, the demand for POP research, tools and techniques has surged, leading to more applied research and interest from the public.
Prof Llewellyn van Zyl
