Abstract:
The role of human cognitive processes and constructs such as psychological capital
(PsyCap), wellbeing, and values in encouraging positive behavior has been extensively
examined in the existing body of knowledge, especially capturing the attention of schol ars and practitioners in the domains of management and organization studies. However,
how these concepts interactively create positive behavior is rarely taken into considera tion in scholarly discussions. Thus, the present paper aims to explore how the values
professed by an organization (i.e. espoused values) could lead employees towards posi tive behaviors through PsyCap and wellbeing. The research setting is Sri Lankan public
administrative organization (SLPAO) and the study participants are top-level managers.
This study takes an interpretivist approach with a qualitative inquiry by employing a
series of in-depth interviews and organizational documents, where the initial findings
on espoused values of SLPAO were then subjected to a secondary qualitative framework
analysis based on the theoretical lenses of CHOSE and PERMA models of PsyCap and
well-being. The findings of the present study show that the public administrators’ per ceived espoused values carry reflections of wellbeing and encompass the dimensions of
PsyCap. Accordingly, positive emotions are reflected by the values independence and
humanity & morality; engagement by service boundedness and duty consciousness; pos itive relations by fairness & justice and concern on employees; meaning by public inter est and effectiveness; and accomplishment by efficiency, expertise and formality & or der. The findings clearly highlight how the espoused values become a source of PsyCap,
encompassing hope and optimism while also tending to the collective well-being, and
thereby enhancing positive behaviors overall. The findings suggest the potential appli cation of PsyCap and well-being to leverage espoused values as a precursor of positive
behavior among public servants. Nonetheless, the study emphasizes the necessity for
further scholarly endeavors to explore the intricate connections between organizational
values, PsyCap, wellbeing, and positive organizational behavior.
