Organizational Psychology and the Pursuit of the Happy/Productive Worker

The issue of how to manage an organization so that employees are both happy and productive is an old and overworked topic, but one that remains a source of confusion and controversy. This article examines the psychological perspective to provide a realistic appraisal of where we now stand in the search for satisfaction and productivity in work settings. It explores the consistency of job attitudes and the intransigence of job performance. It then presents three systems commonly used in organizational change efforts and draws some conclusions about their alternative uses. Organizations must lower their expectations, but at the same time they must be committed to taking action that is flexible enough to allow for mistakes and adjustments in a sustained pursuit of the happy/productive worker.