Positive employment relations: a qualitative meta-synthesis of the evidence

Abstract

This study utilises a qualitative meta-synthesis approach to scope the evidence on qualities that define positive employment relations. The selection criteria included the identification of emerging themes, concepts and commonalities comprising positive employment relations throughout literature. Findings suggest that 21 core constructs comprised and affected positive employment relations on individual, team and organisational levels. Of the 21 constructs, only six key constructs are positive workplace relations resources: trust, respect, support, communication, equity and equality, and conflict management. Optimal functioning and flourishing of individuals result in an optimally thriving organisation, and, to ensure flourishing individuals and teams, an organisation should attend to and improve the quality of relationships within the work context.