Character Strengths and Workplace Happiness in University Teachers

Abstract

Character strengths are positive traits that are considered important for number of desirable outcomes in an individual’s personal, professional and social life. The present study investigated correlates and predictors of workplace happiness in university teachers. Sample consisted of 102 university teachers (male=66, female=36) selected from different renowned universities in Lahore, Pakistan. Workplace happiness questionnaire (WPQ), Workplace environment questionnaire and VIA-120 translated in Urdu were used as assessment measures. Findings of study revealed that gratitude, honesty, spirituality, hope and kindness were top ranked strengths while love of learning, perspective, self-regulation, prudence and appreciation of beauty and excellence were lowest in the present Pakistani sample of university teachers. Pearson product moment correlation analysis showed workplace environment was strongly associated with workplace happiness. Among strengths, appreciation of beauty and excellence, bravery, creativity, judgment, perspective and prudence had strong positive relationship with workplace happiness. Regression analysis revealed workplace environment as strong predictor and among character strengths, bravery as moderate while prudence as weak predictor of workplace happiness in university teachers. Study discussed directions for future studies and implications of findings on educational as well as workplace setting.