Happiness at work: a multi-criteria decision-making approach

Abstract

Purpose

Researchers have strived to identify the factors enhancing happiness at work (HAW), and the causal relations among the enablers of happiness remained underexplored. Therefore, this study aims to map and prioritize the causal relation structures of enablers of HAW.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from key representatives of information technology (IT) firms located in India. A framework based on the cause and effect relationship among enablers of HAW is proposed, and to establish this causality, the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) technique was applied.

Findings

The findings indicate five out of 12 enablers as causal, namely, transformational leadership, authentizotic work climate, person–organization work fit, organizational virtuousness and meaningfulness in work.

Originality/value

Human resource managers, organizational policymakers and scholars will gain greater understanding through this causal framework of enablers of HAW. Knowledge and facilitation of these enablers will aid in nurturing a happy workplace.

Citation

Dahiya, R. and Raghuvanshi, J. (2021), "Happiness at work: a multi-criteria decision-making approach", Journal of Indian Business Research, Vol. 13 No. 4, pp. 459-482. https://doi.org/10.1108/JIBR-04-2020-0091