The Impact of Mindfulness Based Interventions on the Psychological Capital of Leaders

Abstract

This mixed method study examined the relative impact of virtual and classroom-based mindfulness training on the psychological capital (PsyCap) of leaders. The control group (n = 9) and the experimental group (n = 15) participated in an 8-week program and completed pre and post-assessments PsyCap levels. A virtual program was delivered to the control group. A classroom based program was delivered to the experimental group. The experimental group exhibited significant improvement in all four psychological traits which make up the PsyCap construct: efficacy, hope, resilience and optimism. The control group exhibited significant improvement only in self-reported hope scores. The qualitative results from the experimental group were encouraging, emphasizing key learnings from the classroom experience which made an impact at the personal and professional levels. Continued research in this area is anticipated to understand more antecedents to increasing PsyCap levels, leadership effectiveness and benefits of mindfulness based interventions, and enable organizations to better support leaders with mindfulness resources in the workplace. Keywords: Leadership Effectiveness, Mindfulness Based Interventions, PsyCap, Wellness in the Workplace