Can Gratitude Counter Workplace Toxicity? Exploring the Mediating Role of Psychological Capital (PsyCap)

Abstract

Gratitude is essential in positive organizational scholarship and is said to flourish and prosper organization members. This article aims to investigate the role of gratitude in transforming a toxic workplace into a collaborative work environment by exploring the mediating role of psychological capital (Psycap). The results reveal that gratitude practiced by the employees at the workplace can counter workplace toxicity and enhance a collaborative work environment, creating harmony in society. The study proposes the institutionalization of a gratitude-based organizational culture that prevents workplace toxicity and supports a collaborative work environment. The study is one of the pioneer studies that tried to unlock the “black box” through which dispositional gratitude can help build workplace harmony and collaboration.