Cary L. Cooper

Purpose: The purpose of this systematic literature review is threefold: first, to examine what constitutes mindfulness and define boundary conditions of the construct for holistic understanding; second, to synthesize the conceptualization of the individual-level construct of mindfulness by challenging existing assumptions; and third, to discuss future areas of research and practice on purposefully applying mindfulness beyond clinical setups. Design/methodology/approach: This study employed a theory-driven, structured approach to review the various definitions of mindfulness from different viewpoints and themes. Following triangulation and the ontological theory of concept, this study adopts a generative systematic literature review that problematizes the findings of recent reviews. Findings: It investigates several schools of thought to analyze the dimensions and correlates of mindfulness. Conceptual synthesis of the two bases of conceptualization yields the boundary conditions with the necessary and jointly sufficient attributes of construct mindfulness in individuals. This research also underscores the importance of other dimensions studied in the literature. Practical implications: This review makes a crucial contribution in providing a holistic understanding of the two levels of mindfulness with an indication of examining the plausible detrimental effects of mindfulness in individuals. There are three key outcomes of the study: generative review and synthesis: (1) a definition of mindfulness, (2) a conceptual framework of “what constitutes mindfulness?” and (3) a conceptual model for future research. Originality/value: This study is the first generative systematic literature review to conceptualize mindfulness for individuals using necessary and sufficient attributes.

In the opening chapter, editors Neal M. Ashkanasy, Cary L. Cooper, and Julian Barling outline how the chapters in this volume provide a comprehensive analysis of the pandemic’s lasting effects on organizational practices and workplace dynamics. Ashkanasy and his team explain how the chapters in the volume explore diverse themes, such as workforce management, remote work’s rise, supply chain resilience, digital transformation, and organizational health. The chapter authors examine these themes across multiple lenses, including employee well-being, leadership, and human resource practices, emphasizing agility, innovation, and resilience. Through case studies and empirical insights, the chapter authors underscore how organizations must adapt if they are to navigate a complex, post-pandemic world. As such, this volume has potential to serve as a roadmap for rethinking work, culture, and careers in today’s evolving landscape.

Imagining the Post-COVID Workplace explores the impact of how work and the workplace have changed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, cost of living crisis, worldwide inflation, and potential impending recession. Leading scholars from across the globe consider the challenges and opportunities the pandemic has created for organizations and employees in all aspects of their jobs and working lives. The book follows a narrative from the broad pandemic-induced disruptions to individual and organizational responses, and new work dynamics, culminating in the long-term societal impacts on work and well-being. The chapters examine key trends from organizational psychological topics, including communication, HR strategy, culture, teamwork, leadership, ethics, managing stress and burnout, workplace health and safety, flexible working, the future of careers, and retirement. Brought together, these chapters offer a comprehensive overview of important areas within the field of work and organizational psychology, and how they connect to the post-COVID workplace. The authors provide guidance on embracing agility, resilience, and innovation to thrive in an uncertain and rapidly changing environment. This book is essential reading for professionals looking to understand and redesign their workplace as a result of the changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including industry leaders, organizational psychologists, human resource professionals, employers, and managers. It will also interest all students and scholars of work and organizational psychology, and organizational studies, who are interested in the direction of change within the workplace.

Digitalization and virtualization are integral parts of today’s competitive and dynamic business environments. Yet very little is known about the impact of digitalization and virtualization on technology transfer in strategic collaborative partnerships. Therefore, examining the impact of digitalization and virtualization on technology transfer in strategic collaborative partnerships holds much potential for contributing to the ongoing discussions in the technology transfer literature. This introductory article to the Special Issue reflects on the contributions of the Special Issue articles to the research on technology transfer and reveals three central themes through which the articles as a whole contribute to research in technology transfer: Theme 1 describes the role of digitalization in technology transfer outcomes, Theme 2 focuses on extending the understanding of knowledge transfer capabilities to include digital and virtual capabilities, and Theme 3 illustrates how technology transfer facilitators and intermediaries continue to play an important role in technology transfer in the digital world. We conclude the introductory article by proposing four promising avenues for future research on technology transfer in the digital age. These include Avenue 1: Understanding context specificity and temporality, Avenue 2: Focusing on capabilities and government policy, Avenue 3: Bridging distance, and Avenue 4: Protecting against threats.