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IN THIS EDITION…

Conference feed-

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POS Centre

launch

POS resources

POS training

Delegate feed-

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Trip to Kariega

Photo gallery

FROM THE HOD We were recently privileged to host Profes-sor Kim Cameron and his wife Melinda.

The purpose of Prof Camer-on’s visit was to introduce the field of Positive Organi-sational Scholarship (POS) to the Department. Of great value is that the Camerons live out POS principles, with Prof Cameron using these principles as the basis of what he teaches.

The visit resulted in deep reflection and critical analy-sis of how we process issues and reach conclusions. When we consider what most peo-ple accept as valuable or worth integrating into their lives, then we can tap into a nerve which is exposed in a statement like “millions of people believe this.” We cannot be sure what that’s supposed to establish: whether it is therefore right or is worthy of our investiga-tion. If we accept the latter, the response does not nec-essarily make it acceptable or right just because millions believe it. We often cannot afford to make important work or life decisions based on how we feel at a particu-lar moment. We have to go with what we believe is right and execute it in the best way possible.

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management skills has been pub-lished in more than 120 academic ar-ticles and 14 scholarly books (see page 3 for a summarised list of these resources). His current research fo-cuses on the virtuousness of and in organisations and its relationship to organisational success. He is one of the co-founders of the Center for Pos-itive Organisational Scholarship at the University of Michigan. In addition to his faculty responsibilities, he con-sults with a variety of business, gov-ernment and educational organisa-tions in North America, South Ameri-ca, Asia, Africa and Europe on organi-sational culture change, positive lead-ership and developing positive dy-namics in organisations.

It was a privilege and honour for NMMU’S IOP Department, partnering with the Nelson Mandela Bay Busi-ness Chamber, to host an Executive Leaders Forum conference on Thurs-day 26th January 2012, which focused on Positive Organisational Scholar-ship. Professor Kim Cameron, the keynote speaker, is William Russell Kelly Professor of Management and Organisation in the Ross School of Business and Professor of Higher Edu-cation in the School of Education at the University of Michigan. Professor Cameron received MA and PhD de-grees from Yale University. His past research on organisational downsiz-ing, effectiveness, culture change, vir-tuousness and the development of

Introducing guru on POS Leading positivity expert meets business and academics

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POS special edition Edition 5 - Feb 2012

DISCUSSING VIRTUOUSNESS… Prof Kim Cameron addressing conference delegates

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Professor Cameron shared great in-sight at the one-day conference from his wealth of experience, highlighting that all human beings tend to flourish

in the presence of the positive. This is known as the ‘heliotropic effect’ and has important implica-tions for organisations. Prof Cameron empha-sised that for too long, there has been a focus on the negative in organisations, resulting in a prob-lem-solving approach to managing change and overcoming obstacles. Instead, managers should use an abundance approach whereby they identi-fy peak performers, explain success, create sus-tainability, and design interventions to create an ‘ideal future’ for the organisation. This will em-power employees to embrace their highest po-tential and enable positive organisational change.

Prof Cameron indicated that all the information he provides has a theoretical grounding and has been empirically tested and successfully applied in organisations worldwide. Such research has proven that inducing positive states significantly impacts the physical and mental health of em-ployees, improves social relationships at work and increases life expectancy and work productiv-ity. A statistically significant relationship exists

between organisational virtuousness (including integrity, optimism and trust) and both objective performance, as measured by indices such as profitability and quality, as well as perceived per-formance, as measured by indices such as em-ployee engagement and employee retention.

By encouraging this focus on positivity, Prof Cam-eron emphasised that this does not mean ignor-ing the problems in one’s organisation. It also does not imply that managers should never criti-cise their employees, always be enthusiastic and only give praise. Realistically speaking, managers of high performing teams typically give one criti-cism for every five positive statements.

Managing people who are viewed as positive en-ergisers in the workplace may be the most im-portant resource at a manager’s disposal. Har-nessing this energy can help unlock the potential of star performers and produce vitality amongst leadership teams.

To conclude, an abundance approach that em-phasises positive organisational dynamics and engenders organisational virtuousness, are sig-nificantly and positively related to organisational effectiveness.

EXECUTIVE LEADERS FORUM POS CONFERENCE Business leaders, academics and students inspired by POS expert

ENJOYING THE CONFERENCE… Left: Members of the IOP Depart-ment pose with Prof Cameron and Prof Boshoff.

Right: (L-R) Kirsty Davies and Kerry Bryans, from Umi-core Catalyst, chat between sessions.

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Virtuousness Virtuousness EXCELLENCE EXCELLENCE Generosity Generosity BeNeVoLeNcE BeNeVoLeNcE ExtraordinaryExtraordinary FLOURISHINGFLOURISHING

HonourHonour AbUnDaNcEAbUnDaNcE ResilienceResilience OPTIMISM OPTIMISM Hopefulness Hopefulness AfFiRmAtIoN AfFiRmAtIoN PositivityPositivity

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First POS Centre in Africa

Symbolic launch takes place at conference

POS resources See www.centerforpos.org for more information and additional resources.

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The Department thought it an opportune time to ask Prof Cameron, the co-founder of POS, to symbolically launch the first POS Centre in Africa and in fact, the Southern Hemisphere. This Cen-tre reflects a community of scholars devoted to energising and transforming organisations through research on the theory and practice of positive organising and leadership. The Centre will be dedicated to the development and dis-semination of POS research in a uniquely African context. Key activities of the Centre will include: Create and test theories of positive organisa-

tional behaviour and research instruments to research such phenomena within the African context

Develop and market POS educational case studies and intervention tools

Disseminate POS ideas and intellectual prod-ucts to scholars, students, corporations, non-profit organisations and communities

Develop co-learning partnerships with select companies and non-profit organisations

Nurture a research relationship and foster col-lation with other POS Centres world-wide.

CUTTING THE RIBBON… Key players, including NMMU’s first 3 positive organisational behaviour PhD students, pledge their commitment to officially launching a cutting-edge POS Centre within NMMU’s Department of IOP.

Virtuousness Virtuousness EXCELLENCE EXCELLENCE Generosity Generosity BeNeVoLeNcE BeNeVoLeNcE ExtraordinaryExtraordinary FLOURISHINGFLOURISHING

HonourHonour AbUnDaNcEAbUnDaNcE ResilienceResilience OPTIMISM OPTIMISM Hopefulness Hopefulness AfFiRmAtIoN AfFiRmAtIoN PositivityPositivity

The Centre envisages holding regular speaker se-ries, thus bringing together scholars and practition-ers to discuss and debate new POS research and how to implement these practices and interven-tions in organisations. The cutting of the ribbon above was a symbolic ges-ture of the Department’s commitment to formally establish this Centre in the near future.

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Feedback from POS conference delegates Positive comments received in abundance

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In order to ensure that future conferences host-ed by the Department serve the needs of busi-ness professionals, feedback was gained from delegates who attended the POS conference. The Department was delighted to read the positive feedback provided, with all delegates mentioning the excellent quality of Prof Cameron’s presenta-tions. He was described as being thought pro-voking, insightful, motivational and engaging, with a “very entertaining communication and presentation style”. Delegates enjoyed Prof Cam-eron’s relevant case scenarios. They appreciated his professionalism and vast experience on the topic, labelling him an “internationally acclaimed expert on POS”.

All delegates expectations of the conference were met, with comments including that the top-ic of POS was pertinent, the conference was well organised, and the presentations were informa-tive and energising. Prof Niekie Dorfling, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences at NMMU, congratulated the Department for hosting the conference, saying that he enjoyed the sessions and found them “extremely enrich-ing”. Jill Bogie, a cum laude MPhil (Futures Stud-ies) student from the Stellenbosch Business School, also thanked the Department for the in-teresting and successful conference, mentioning

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITY (above)... (L-R) Prof Niekie Dorfling with Judy Janse van Rensburg and Loreen le Roux. REGISTRATION (below)… (L-R) Kim Bergesen of VWSA re-ceives her conference pack from Kendra-Lynn Roodt.

Virtuousness Virtuousness EXCELLENCE EXCELLENCE Generosity Generosity BeNeVoLeNcE BeNeVoLeNcE ExtraordinaryExtraordinary FLOURISHINGFLOURISHING

HonourHonour AbUnDaNcEAbUnDaNcE ResilienceResilience OPTIMISM OPTIMISM Hopefulness Hopefulness AfFiRmAtIoN AfFiRmAtIoN PositivityPositivity

that she left feeling energised to explore new ideas. According to Percy Smith of Volkswagen South Afri-ca (VWSA), the VWSA managers who were privi-leged to meet Prof Cameron felt motivated follow-ing their discussions. Samantha Venter, Opera-tions Director for the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, stated that she has received “great posi-tive feedback” from her colleagues who attended the conference, congratulating the POS Africa team for putting the conference together. To conclude, delegates felt it a privilege to have attended the conference and hope that more conferences of this nature are hosted in the future.

NMMU REPRESENTATIVES... Prof Piet Naude, NMMU’s Deputy Vice Chancellor: Academic, with Prof Paul Poisat.

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Virtuousness Virtuousness EXCELLENCE EXCELLENCE Generosity Generosity BeNeVoLeNcE BeNeVoLeNcE ExtraordinaryExtraordinary FLOURISHINGFLOURISHING

HonourHonour AbUnDaNcEAbUnDaNcE ResilienceResilience OPTIMISM OPTIMISM Hopefulness Hopefulness AfFiRmAtIoN AfFiRmAtIoN PositivityPositivity

IOP DEPARTMENT RECEIVES POS TRAININGIOP DEPARTMENT RECEIVES POS TRAININGIOP DEPARTMENT RECEIVES POS TRAINING

One of the primary reasons for Prof Cameron’s visit to NMMU was to train staff within the IOP Department in positive organisational interventions and practices. The training high-lighted culture change towards becoming virtuous organisations through the use of abun-dance tools. Such practical tools and techniques are used in order to initiate such change as well as enable organisations to unlock positive dynamics and energise their workforce. By gaining from Prof Cameron’s expertise, the Department is equipped to implement such interventions in industry to bring about positive change. It is evident that there is a need for collaboration between business and academia so that research studies can be tailored to the South African situation. Should your organisation be interested in participating in POS research studies or POS consulting services, contact Johan Schoeman at pos@nmmu.ac.za.

Together in training… (L-R) Chantel Harris, Michelle Paddey and Sharon Munyaka took part in Prof Camer-on’s training sessions.

Dynamic discussion… Prof Cameron speaking with Prof Berry, Director of the School of Human Resources and Industrial Psychology, during a training break.

Thank you to our sponsors... The Department wishes to extend our gratitude to the following sponsors, with-out whom Prof Cameron’s visit would not have been possible.

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Expedition into the wild... The POS Conference team together with Prof Cameron and his wife, Melinda, were privileged to visit Ka-riega Game Reserve on Friday, 27 January. The morning started with training at Ukhozi Lodge Conference Centre, where the team were involved in team building and POS exercises. After lunch, all involved went to River Lodge (where they were housed for the night) and enjoyed both an afternoon and early morning game drive. Lions, white rhino, elephant, buffalo, eland, hippos, giraffe and many other game were viewed on these drives. However, according to IOP Department Head, Prof Rob Snelgar, the experience was more than just an opportunity to view the animals or enjoy time in wonderful accommodation. In-stead, it moreover served as a wonderful bonding experience, for which the unique environment and ex-periences shared acted as a catalyst.

The Kariega trip was summed up well by Johan Schoeman who said that, “The whole Kariega-experience was energy-giving. The social dynamics amongst the group members were powerful and an experience to remember. To be in the presence of a global expert was a truly humbling experience. Thank you Kim and Melinda”.

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Virtuousness Virtuousness EXCELLENCE EXCELLENCE Generosity Generosity BeNeVoLeNcE BeNeVoLeNcE ExtraordinaryExtraordinary FLOURISHINGFLOURISHING

HonourHonour AbUnDaNcEAbUnDaNcE ResilienceResilience OPTIMISM OPTIMISM Hopefulness Hopefulness AfFiRmAtIoN AfFiRmAtIoN PositivityPositivity

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Photo gallery...

ENJOYING THE ONE-DAY CONFERENCE… Above: (L-R) Prof Leon Bosman (from University of Western Cape) and Prof Adré Boshoff (lecturer on NMMU IOP PhD Coursework programme) take a break during the Conference. Below: (L-R) Jill Bogie, Marilyn Gibbs, Michelle Paddey, Elaine Snelgar and Heather Knox take a moment to catch up during a tea break.

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DELEGATES AND STAFF MEMBERS… Above: (L-R) Rene van Staden and Claire Sponneck, both Telkom employees and 2012 NMMU IOP Course-work Masters students, were pleased to attend the POS Conference. Below: (L-R) Sharon Munyaka, IOP lecturer, poses with Kim Weatherall-Thomas (PR intern for the Business & Economic Sciences faculty) and Prof Christo Fabricius, principal of NMMU’s George Campus.

It has been wonderful to reflect in this newsletter on the exciting Departmental happenings that occurred during Prof Cameron’s visit. We left the Conference and Prof Cameron’s training encouraged, knowing that each Departmental staff member was positively affected by this amazing experience. Yours in IOP, Chantel & Michelle

FROM THE HOD...continued from page 1

So, the touching of the nerve of emotions is a good way to actually phrase it, but it is the wrong way of thinking and demon-strates the vulnerability of people as they move toward felt realities rather than reasonable realities. It is evident that emo-tions are a gauge of reality and emotional intelligence is key to complementing intellectual coherence. We can also become sceptical and exclude all, except rational analysis, from decision-making. By doing so, we omit some key components to reach-ing to our conclusions. Thus, we can research topics without necessarily attaining meaningful outcomes or decisions.

POS highlights that as complex human beings we need to approach problems and resolve them holistically. While POS focuses on the positive, it does not neglect or ignore the negative. Rather, the field was established on three criteria, namely establish-ing the theory, conducting the research and implementing the outcomes. This approach has resulted in the field making giant leaps, both at university level as well as in the corporate world. The reality is that this field will have an impact on South Africa in the future and will affect the realities of the corporate world, as well as the need for research. The impact is a powerful one in that the field gains adherence through emotions, spirituality as well as practicalities. Yours in IOP, Rob

STUDENTS AND LECTURERS ALIKE… Right: IOP lecturer Chantel Harris (right) with (L-R) Honours student Anne Giesser and Masters students Lucretia Jantjies, Shiraz Adams and Nadia Breytenbach.

A NOTE FROM THE EDITORS…