The positive project team : the impact of positive affectivity on project success

What is the impact of positive affectivity on project success? The primary purpose of this paper is to answer that question by comparing two project groups based on their psychological traits and attitudes and see whether it has an influence on project success. It is done by administering psychometric tests, Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R) and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) to both groups, along with questions regarding group dynamic based on positive psychology. Do their views affect how they experience the group dynamic? We find that there are some differences between the groups. Group A is both more optimistic and higher on the positive affect scale than group B. In compliment with this group A is also lower on the negative affect scale. Group A is more open to change, responsibility and roles are clearer and there is more happiness within the group. The sponsors of the projects confirm that positivity is higher in group A and based on the sponsors definition of success there is a reason to belief that positive affectivity translates into greater success of the project. The main findings in this research indicate that a mind-set of optimism and positive affectivity can have a positive effect on project success. Key words: positive psychology, optimism, positive affectivity, group dynamic and success