Gratitude Practices at Workplace and Their Impact on Team Performance

Abstract

The expression of gratitude in the workplace has become a significant positive organization strategy that correlates with the implication of the work relationship, as well as organizational efficiency. This study sheds light on the effect of workplace gratitude or thanking practices on team performance with the mediation of WPGE, WPRP, PSC, and TC. This study uses awakenings from the theories of Positive Psychology Theory, Broaden-and-Build Theory and Social Exchange Theory to highlight how gratitude promotes positive workplace behaviours and pro-social relationships. To help answer the quasi-experimental research question, a quantitative research design was employed, and a structured questionnaire on a 5-point likert scale was used to collect most of the primary data from the employees. Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis was used using the software of smartPLS to analyze the proposed research model. The results indicate that the effect of Workplace Gratitude Expression and Psychological Gratitude Climate on Team Collaboration and Team Performance are significant and positive. Team Collaboration is significantly improved by Workplace Recognition Practices, yet no direct significant effect on the Team Performance. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that Team Collaboration is a significant pathway between Workplace Gratitude practices and Team Performance, thereby reinforcing the impact of Workplace Gratitude practices on Team Performance. A good level of reliability, validity and prediction was obtained through the measurement models and structural models. This study is also grounded in previous research as it uses several constructs related to gratitude and focuses the research on the outcome of the team, not the individual. The results offer insights for managers and HR professionals to seek ways to create a positive culture in their workplaces by building rapport and increasing collaboration among staff to enhance team effectiveness.