Date of Conferral

2016

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Diana Jeffery

Abstract

A solution is needed to counteract violent news, Internet, and other negative media images and management behaviors in the workplace, in order to boost engagement and prosocial behaviors at work. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the attitudes of working professionals toward prosocial behaviors and employee engagement in the workplace as affected by transpersonal Hollywood films. An organization's ability to survive is directly related to empowerment and innovation. Classic films provide a gateway for transpersonal experiences that could change behavior and thoughts. Peterson and Seligman's transformational typology involving 6 character virtues and 24 strengths was the basis for coding 8 positive films that were viewed by participants. Data collection consisted of 2 in-depth interviews, 8 written film questionnaires, and an exit interview from a criterion-based, purposeful sample of 10 adult working nonmanagerial professionals living in Los Angeles, employed in any industry except the entertainment industry. Six to 10 participants, according to researchers, are an appropriate number for saturation. The most prevalent strengths mentioned were social intelligence and perspective, followed by integrity, hope and open-mindedness. Frequent phrases that corresponded to the 6 virtue categories were wisdom/knowledge and humanity. The results revealed that positive films could be a boon for industrial/organizational issues involving recruitment, training, motivation, and prosocial behaviors. The use of positive transpersonal Hollywood films in human capital development could lead to positive social change in the workplace by reducing worker sick days and promoting a happier workforce with increased innovation and productivity.

Download

Share

 
COinS