The Concept of Flow

Topic

The Concept of Flow

Instructions

What is meant by the concept of “flow” in the management and organisational literature (Csikszentmihalyi, 1977) ? Is there a relationship between achievement-orientation and “flow”? Provide an analysis of the advantages of understanding the concept of flow for professionals in contemporary organisations.

Answer preview

he concept of Flow, or optimal experience has attracted considerable attention since its foundation from Csíkszentmihályi (1975). The concept signifies a psychological state of mind for an individual who is deeply occupied by an activity with invigorated concentration, full involvement, finest enjoyment and inherent interests. According to Csíkszentmihályi & Hunter (2003), such a person is often positive, motivated, energetic and focused on the task at hand. This essay explores the concept of Flow as it applies in the management and organizational literature; establish the relationship between the concept and the achievement-orientation. The paper also analyses the advantages associated with understanding the concept of Flow by professionals in contemporary organizations.

Word count: 2515