Symposium 6th World Congress on Positive Psychology 2019

Carl Jung's Influence On Modern-Day Positive Organisational Psychology   (#116)

Maggie (Machteld) Van den Heuvel 1 , Llewellyn Van Zyl 2 , Danie D du Toit 2
  1. University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam
  2. Optentia Research Programme, Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, South Africa

Seligman has been credited for being the “father” of positive psychology (PP).  However, some researchers argue that he should only be considered as the “marketer” and “facilitator” of the development of the paradigm. Although the focus only recently shifted from the medical model to positive psychology, many researchers in the previous century focused on “positive” aspects of the human psyche, such as Maslow, Frankl and Jung. Jung’s influence on modern-day PP have been greatly underplayed and largely overlooked. His work regarding personality, creativity and emotions still echoes chapters in what is understood by many psychologists and researchers today. The aim of this paper is to highlight Jung’s contribution to the field of PP in organisations with specific reference to personality development, integration and individuation with its particular reference to current complex business environment. A literature review was employed to facilitate an understanding of Jung’s contribution to the field of organisational PP. Jung's constructs are widely utilised and can also enrich and inform our understanding of the human psyche in Positive Psychology. His methodology, and his view on the development of personality in particular, suggests a way for developmental interventions much needed in the application Positive Psychology in the workplace.