Understanding individual compassion in organizations: The role of appraisals and psychological flexibility

Paul W.B. Atkins, Sharon K. Parker

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    179 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    To enhance compassion in organizations, the processes by which compassion can be enhanced in individuals must be understood. We develop an expanded model of the components of compassionate responding that includes noticing, appraising, feeling, and acting. Using this model, we propose that psychological flexibility (mindfulness combined with values-directed action) contributes to enhancing the perceptual, cognitive, affective, and behavioral aspects of compassion. Specifically, mindfulness processes support the capacity to be compassionate while values processes motivate effort to engage in compassionate action. Training in psychological flexibility should be considered as one element of programs designed to increase organizational compassion.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)524-546
    Number of pages23
    JournalAcademy of Management Review
    Volume37
    Issue number4
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 10 Jan 2012

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