Self determination theory broadens and builds employee flourishing

Abstract or Summary

Flourishing is characterised by a growth and self-expansive orientation, where the emphasis is on continued growth. Flourishing individuals are associated with greater self-development, generativity, growth, resilience as well as enjoy enhanced physical and mental health outcomes. The tipping point from which flourishing is found is 2.9:1 and this positivity ratio is what is needed to build flourishing individuals. We test this with a large sample of NZ employees using the Self Determination Theory variables of Three Needs (autonomy, competence and relatedness). Using 457 employees, we calculated potentially flourishing employees as those in the top quartile (1/3) for each of Self Determination Theory’s three needs, and in turn, created a new variable (flourishing) for employees who had at least two of the three needs satisfaction scores in this category. This aligns with current thinking that a flourishing person does not need to excel on all dimensions. We tested this towards the positivity ration, where positive affect is divided by negative affect. Overall, our findings support Fredrickson and Losada’s (2005) assertion that flourishing employees will have a higher positivity ration than those who are not flourishing (M=3.1 versus 2.0). The implications, including developing flourishing employees, will be discussed.