Almost all organizations agree to the point that Positive Emotions are very essential for better and peaceful
functioning. But more often, it sounds as a general opinion and how far the organizations are really serious
about making their work environment more positive is a question, though here and there some steps are
being taken. But if the organizations realize that there is something called “Negativity Cost” involved in their
functioning, how do they react?
It is very difficult to calculate “Negativity Cost” as there is no direct measurement technique or a ready-made
formula available as of now. But does that say that one must ignore it just because it is difficult to measure?
The quantum of hidden and mysterious adverse impact, the Negativity Cost has on the organization may be
very costly leading to poor productivity, hampering the growth plans, ticking the loss chart or even sinking
the organization to abyss.
In 2004. The Gallup Organization, a pioneer in Analytics, surveyed and found that over 22 million workers in
US were ‘extremely negative’ or ‘actively disengaged’, estimating that their ‘Negativity Cost’ to US economy to
be over $250 Billion annually (almost $1 Billion per day leaving the weekends and holidays) in lost
productivity alone. But, they also said, when workplace injury, illness, absenteeism, low turnover, strikes,
frauds etc. which are the by-products of Negativity were taken into account, the cost would soar to $1 Trillion
annually. Evidences are showing that the situation in US has not improved much in terms of “Positivity” in the
last 14 years, the time after the survey.
The Gallup Organization also stated that this problem is not just limited to United States, but all over the
world. If someone would do such an analysis in India, the Negativity Cost would be significant here too
considering the worker population comparing to US. Things boil down to organizations’ lack of efforts to
reduce the Negativity among their people, which not only lead to several impediments in their functioning
but also significantly contribute to the ‘Negativity Cost’ of our National Economy.
Several studies have shown that recognitions and appreciations play a great role in enhancing the positivity
(reducing the Negativity) and hence productivity among people. But that is not sufficient. Anything that is
followed deliberately will lose its importance over a period and will be taken for granted thereon. So, a
practice that creates a change in mental consciousness among people (or enhancement of level of
consciousness) is required.
So, if organizations adopt such a practice which can have a sustained impact on the consciousness of the
people, they can bring about a positive change in the thought processes. The same will reflect in the character
and behavior and hence positively influence whatever they do (doing) and how they are (being). Thus the
organizations can minimize their “mysterious” Negativity Cost.
Acknowledgements
The author is grateful to his mentors His Holiness Gurumahan Paranjothiar (Founder, Universal Peace
Foundation) and Dr. Pradeep B. Deshpande (President, Six Sigma and Advanced Controls Inc., USA). The
support and encouragement from Mr. Navilu Subramanian, (MD, Ascent Transformation Ventures) is
gratefully appreciated. The inputs from the industry through Mr. Baburaj Nair (CHRO, The Hindu Group) and
Mr. V. Jayaraman (AVP, The Hindu Group) are very enlightening.
