Systemic virtues and systemic strengths: Expanding positive psychology beyond individual character

Character strengths frameworks conceptualize virtue as an individual-level phenomenon, yet global challenges require capacities that only exist at the collective level. This paper addresses that level-of-analysis gap by developing the theoretical foundations for systemic strengths and systemic virtues. We define systemic strengths as descriptive emergent capacities by which bounded collectives perform functions no individual can accomplish alone, and systemic virtues as emergent collectively coordinated, system-shaping capacities that’s normatively oriented toward the regenerative stewardship of social-ecological systems. We develop an eight-category taxonomy for systemic virtues ranging from Collective Creativity to Ecological Stewardship. We ground each in empirical literature, specify subdimensions and indicators, identify links to outcome mechanisms, and highlight risks of absence/misuse. We also distinguish both constructs from aggregated individual traits, shared perceptions, and institutional artifacts. Together, this framework repositions flourishing not as something individuals possess, but something collectives sustain through relationships, institutions, and stewardship.