1. Name of the line of doctoral research

The Role of Psychological Capital in Organizational Success: A Cross-sectoral Analysis

2. UNESCO codes related to the research line

DISCIPLINES	SUB-DISCIPLINES
5301: Economic Theory	531102: Organization and Planning of Enterprises
6102: Psychology (General)	6102.06: Industrial and Labor Psychology
5311: Business Economics. Economic Sociology. Economic Anthropology. Social and Economic Geography	5301.07: Econometrics
6102.02: Personality psychology	5301.08: Economy sectors

3. Recommended admission requirements for candidates

Given the multidisciplinary nature of this research line, it may appeal to individuals from diverse backgrounds and professional experiences, and particularly those interested in the field of organizational psychology, human resource management, organizational behavior, positive psychology or leadership:

1. Educational Background: Individuals with degrees in psychology, business, business administration, or human resources.
2. Research Interests: Individuals interested in how employee morale, well-being, and psyche impact the efficiency and productivity of a company. Also, those interested in understanding how different sectors and organizational cultures influence the formation and application of psychological capital.
3. Skills and Attributes: Those with analytical skills, an inclination towards empirical research, and an interest in studying human behavior in work contexts. They should be inquisitive and have a robust capacity to work both independently and as part of a team. They should also have effective communication skills to present their findings.
4. Work Experience: Those with work experience in human resources, organizational development, leadership roles, or coaching will be particularly able to appreciate and explore the relevance of psychological capital.
5. Career Goals: This type of research would be valuable for those who aspire to work in leadership positions or human resource management, or even as organizational and workplace well-being consultants.

4. Responsible Chair

European Communication Observatory

5. Organizing Center

NextG University Institute

6. Main Coordinator

Dr. Francisco J. Guillén

7. Object of Study

The subject of study in this research is Psychological Capital (PsyCap), specifically within the context of companies operating in various economic sectors and geographical regions. PsyCap, a positive psychological resource composed of self-efficacy, confidence, resilience, and optimism, will be examined in terms of its impact on organizational success, employee productivity, job satisfaction, and overall company performance. The research will involve assessing PsyCap levels within a variety of companies from different sectors and territories, enabling sectoral and geographical comparisons, as well as an exploration of its evolution over time.

8. Hypothesis

We hypothesize that higher levels of Psychological Capital within an organization positively correlate with improved business performance and employee satisfaction. Furthermore, we hypothesize that the relationship between PsyCap and business success might vary depending on the economic sector and territory. Through a longitudinal study, we expect to show a significant increase in organizational performance over time as PsyCap is nurtured and developed within these businesses.

9. Length

3 years

10. Analytical Framework

Doctoral research in this field must strictly adhere to the following analytical structure in its Doctoral Research Plan:

• Introductory Part

1. Justification of the research.
2. Presentation of the doctoral research case.
3. Formulation of the general hypothesis and specific hypotheses

• First Part

1. Conceptualization of Psychological Capital as an object of scientific study.
2. Theoretical approaches and perspectives applied in the study of Psychological Capital.
3. Methodology and techniques for the analysis of Psychological Capital.
4. General and specialized documentary and bibliographical sources on Psychological Capital.

• Second Part

1. Descriptive analysis of the general characteristics of the economic sector or European territory under investigation in the doctoral research case.
2. Descriptive analysis of Psychological Capital in the economic sector or European territory under investigation in the doctoral research case

• Third Part

1. Conclusive analysis of the results of the study of Psychological Capital in the economic sector and/or European territory under investigation in the doctoral research case.
2. Comparative analysis of the results of the study of Psychological Capital in the economic sector and/or European territory under investigation in the doctoral research case.

• Fourth Part

1. General and specialized bibliographical sources used in the research.
2. Specific documentary sources used in the research.

11. Options of doctoral research

Initially, individuals admitted to this doctoral research line may choose one of the following options as their study case:

1. Healthcare
2. Education
3. Technology and IT Services
4. Sales and Retail
5. Manufacturing
6. Finance and Banking
7. Public Administration
8. Hospitality and Tourism
9. Non-Profit Organizations
10. Human Resources and Recruitment

The Coordination of the doctoral research line will allocate the cases in order of admission of the doctoral candidates, taking into account their interest or accredited connection with one sector or another.

12. Specialized Training

In accordance with the rules governing the Doctoral Program, the doctoral research line organizes the corresponding specialized training activity, which doctoral candidates must complete during the first year of the program in an online format.

Specialized training enables doctoral candidates to have prior knowledge of all the theoretical and methodological elements necessary for conducting their research and is organized into the following 7 content units.

1. Constructing the object of study.
2. Theoretical approaches to the object of study.
3. Research methodology and techniques.
4. Information sources and documentation for research.
5. Research hypothesis.
6. Scope and extent of the research.
7. Research structure.

13. Scientific calls and activities

The Coordination of the line of doctoral research annually convenes a Scientific Conference to present and debate on the theoretical and methodological issues that affect the object of study of the line. These conferences are open to all doctoral students and researchers working in the same scientific field, who are invited to share their findings and engage in debates.

Likewise, at the end of the second year of the program, doctoral students can attend public events carried out by other doctoral students, which are also convened by the Coordination of the Doctoral Program.

Doctoral students can participate in public events organized by the J. H. Newman Doctoral School, such as presentations of publications or projects, conferences and debates, etc.

In addition, the Coordination of the research line informs the doctoral students of the calls that other scientific and academic entities carry out about the object of study or related fields, so that they are aware of them and can present, if appropriate, works carried out during their doctoral research.

14. Scientific Publications

The Coordination of the research line is going to provide doctoral students with a list of specialized publications and papers, to which they have to direct their proposals in order to publish their doctoral research.

15. Languages

Català / English / Español

16. Information

Contact: info@euniv.eu

Normativa del Doctorat: https://euniv.eu/universitat/normativa/