Discussion: View Thread

  • 1.  the term flow (psychology)

    Posted 04-23-2018 00:16

    Hello，         

    I'm wandering if someone familiar with the concept of flow (positive psychology) can help. My question is that how the term flow is linked with meaning of daily word flow. Usually when we define a term, the words used in definition can be understood in their usual meanings.  Although I know the flow concept refers to a state of concentration, the word flow always reminds me of something in motion, which seemingly has little to do with the term flow.  In what meaning of the word flow was the concept flow defined? How the word flow in the term should be understood?

    Thank you in advance.


    Sheng




  • 2.  the term flow (psychology)

    Posted 04-23-2018 09:42
    Sheng,

    I hope my perspective will be helpful to you. I think of flow being about movement or action but how one is situated and feeling during that activity. Martin Seligman, referencing his long, strong relationship with Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi speaks of Flow as being "One with the music". I have experienced it many times, sometimes while running, sometimes while walking in nature, sometimes while teaching and sometimes while making a presentation, all when I was "in it". No real thoughts about externalities, or honestly not even thinking about the details of the subject matter or exercise. I think flow would have to be consider in the context of movement, not just physical but in terms of thinking, evolving and/or speaking. 

    I hope this is of some help. 

    Ron

    Ronald G. Fountain; DM, MSPOD, MBA
    2908 Paxton Rd.
    Shaker Heights, OH 44120
    (m) 216-272-9460

    Creating the future by design, not living it by default. 
    From: Organizational Behavior Division Listserv <OB@AOMLISTS.AOM.ORG> on behalf of S Zhao <mhot77@HOTMAIL.COM>
    Sent: Monday, April 23, 2018 12:16 AM
    To: OB@AOMLISTS.AOM.ORG
    Subject: Re: [OB-LIST] the term flow (psychology)
     

    Hello，         

    I'm wandering if someone familiar with the concept of flow (positive psychology) can help. My question is that how the term flow is linked with meaning of daily word flow. Usually when we define a term, the words used in definition can be understood in their usual meanings.  Although I know the flow concept refers to a state of concentration, the word flow always reminds me of something in motion, which seemingly has little to do with the term flow.  In what meaning of the word flow was the concept flow defined? How the word flow in the term should be understood?

    Thank you in advance.


    Sheng




  • 3.  the term flow (psychology)

    Posted 04-23-2018 10:45
    Sheng,

    The flow is an optimal state of experience in which an individual feels cognitively efficient, deeply involved, and highly motivated with a high level of enjoyment. In the state, an individual is fully functioning by stretching existing skills while tackling optimal challenges perceived in an activity. There most of attention or ''psychic energy' is directed to the activity at hand to express and realize personal potentials. So this is a dynamic experience.  

    Hope it helps,

    Fatih



    On 23 Apr 2018, at 16:41, Ronald Fountain <rgf2908@MSN.COM> wrote:

    Sheng,

    I hope my perspective will be helpful to you. I think of flow being about movement or action but how one is situated and feeling during that activity. Martin Seligman, referencing his long, strong relationship with Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi speaks of Flow as being "One with the music". I have experienced it many times, sometimes while running, sometimes while walking in nature, sometimes while teaching and sometimes while making a presentation, all when I was "in it". No real thoughts about externalities, or honestly not even thinking about the details of the subject matter or exercise. I think flow would have to be consider in the context of movement, not just physical but in terms of thinking, evolving and/or speaking. 

    I hope this is of some help. 

    Ron

    Ronald G. Fountain; DM, MSPOD, MBA
    2908 Paxton Rd.
    Shaker Heights, OH 44120
    (m) 216-272-9460

    Creating the future by design, not living it by default. 
    From: Organizational Behavior Division Listserv <OB@AOMLISTS.AOM.ORG> on behalf of S Zhao <mhot77@HOTMAIL.COM>
    Sent: Monday, April 23, 2018 12:16 AM
    To: OB@AOMLISTS.AOM.ORG
    Subject: Re: [OB-LIST] the term flow (psychology)
     
    Hello，          
    I'm wandering if someone familiar with the concept of flow (positive psychology) can help. My question is that how the term flow is linked with meaning of daily word flow. Usually when we define a term, the words used in definition can be understood in their usual meanings.  Although I know the flow concept refers to a state of concentration, the word flow always reminds me of something in motion, which seemingly has little to do with the term flow.  In what meaning of the word flow was the concept flow defined? How the word flow in the term should be understood?
    Thank you in advance. 

    Sheng



  • 4.  the term flow (psychology)

    Posted 04-23-2018 11:39
    Another mainstream perspective of flow that builds on some research is Steven Kotler's "The rise of superman"

    Bill Becker
    Associate Professor
    Virginia Tech
    Pamplin College of Business
    National Capital Region


    On Mon, Apr 23, 2018 at 9:41 AM, Ronald Fountain <rgf2908@msn.com> wrote:
    Sheng,

    I hope my perspective will be helpful to you. I think of flow being about movement or action but how one is situated and feeling during that activity. Martin Seligman, referencing his long, strong relationship with Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi speaks of Flow as being "One with the music". I have experienced it many times, sometimes while running, sometimes while walking in nature, sometimes while teaching and sometimes while making a presentation, all when I was "in it". No real thoughts about externalities, or honestly not even thinking about the details of the subject matter or exercise. I think flow would have to be consider in the context of movement, not just physical but in terms of thinking, evolving and/or speaking. 

    I hope this is of some help. 

    Ron

    Ronald G. Fountain; DM, MSPOD, MBA
    Shaker Heights, OH 44120
    (m) 216-272-9460

    Creating the future by design, not living it by default. 
    From: Organizational Behavior Division Listserv <OB@AOMLISTS.AOM.ORG> on behalf of S Zhao <mhot77@HOTMAIL.COM>
    Sent: Monday, April 23, 2018 12:16 AM
    To: OB@AOMLISTS.AOM.ORG
    Subject: Re: [OB-LIST] the term flow (psychology)
     

    Hello，         

    I'm wandering if someone familiar with the concept of flow (positive psychology) can help. My question is that how the term flow is linked with meaning of daily word flow. Usually when we define a term, the words used in definition can be understood in their usual meanings.  Although I know the flow concept refers to a state of concentration, the word flow always reminds me of something in motion, which seemingly has little to do with the term flow.  In what meaning of the word flow was the concept flow defined? How the word flow in the term should be understood?

    Thank you in advance.


    Sheng





  • 5.  the term flow (psychology)

    Posted 04-23-2018 13:48
    And here is an excellent empirical piece on the day to day experiences of flow: 

    Quinn, Ryan W. (2006). Flow in Knowledge Work: High Performance Experience in the Design of National Security Technology. Administrative Science Quarterly, 50(4): 610-641.

    Hope this helps, 

    Emily

    On Mon, Apr 23, 2018 at 11:38 AM, William Becker <beckerwj@vt.edu> wrote:
    Another mainstream perspective of flow that builds on some research is Steven Kotler's "The rise of superman"

    Bill Becker
    Associate Professor
    Virginia Tech
    Pamplin College of Business
    National Capital Region


    On Mon, Apr 23, 2018 at 9:41 AM, Ronald Fountain <rgf2908@msn.com> wrote:
    Sheng,

    I hope my perspective will be helpful to you. I think of flow being about movement or action but how one is situated and feeling during that activity. Martin Seligman, referencing his long, strong relationship with Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi speaks of Flow as being "One with the music". I have experienced it many times, sometimes while running, sometimes while walking in nature, sometimes while teaching and sometimes while making a presentation, all when I was "in it". No real thoughts about externalities, or honestly not even thinking about the details of the subject matter or exercise. I think flow would have to be consider in the context of movement, not just physical but in terms of thinking, evolving and/or speaking. 

    I hope this is of some help. 

    Ron

    Ronald G. Fountain; DM, MSPOD, MBA
    Shaker Heights, OH 44120
    (m) 216-272-9460

    Creating the future by design, not living it by default. 
    From: Organizational Behavior Division Listserv <OB@AOMLISTS.AOM.ORG> on behalf of S Zhao <mhot77@HOTMAIL.COM>
    Sent: Monday, April 23, 2018 12:16 AM
    To: OB@AOMLISTS.AOM.ORG
    Subject: Re: [OB-LIST] the term flow (psychology)
     

    Hello，         

    I'm wandering if someone familiar with the concept of flow (positive psychology) can help. My question is that how the term flow is linked with meaning of daily word flow. Usually when we define a term, the words used in definition can be understood in their usual meanings.  Although I know the flow concept refers to a state of concentration, the word flow always reminds me of something in motion, which seemingly has little to do with the term flow.  In what meaning of the word flow was the concept flow defined? How the word flow in the term should be understood?

    Thank you in advance.


    Sheng






    --
    Dr. Emily Heaphy
    Assistant Professor of Management
    University of Rhode Island


  • 6.  the term flow (psychology)

    Posted 04-23-2018 16:16
    Here is another recent paper:

     Ilies, R., Wagner, D., Wilson, K., Ceja, L., Johnson, M.D., DeRue, D.S., and Ilgen, D.R. (2017). Flow at work and basic psychological needs:   Effects on well-being. Applied Psychology: An International Review, 66, 3-24.

    And here is a related concept:

     Mainemelis, C. (2001). When the muse takes it all: A model for the experience of timelessness in organizations. Academy of Management Review, 26, 548-565.

    Michael

    Michael D. Johnson
    Associate Professor of Organizational Behavior
    The Boeing Company Professor of Business Management
    Foster School of Business, University of Washington
    Box 353226
    544 Paccar Hall
    Seattle, WA 98195
    mdj3@uw.edu
    (206) 616-2756

    On Apr 23, 2018, 11:53 AM -0700, Emily Heaphy <eheaphy@uri.edu>, wrote:
    And here is an excellent empirical piece on the day to day experiences of flow: 

    Quinn, Ryan W. (2006). Flow in Knowledge Work: High Performance Experience in the Design of National Security Technology. Administrative Science Quarterly, 50(4): 610-641.

    Hope this helps, 

    Emily

    On Mon, Apr 23, 2018 at 11:38 AM, William Becker <beckerwj@vt.edu> wrote:
    Another mainstream perspective of flow that builds on some research is Steven Kotler's "The rise of superman"

    Bill Becker
    Associate Professor
    Virginia Tech
    Pamplin College of Business
    National Capital Region


    On Mon, Apr 23, 2018 at 9:41 AM, Ronald Fountain <rgf2908@msn.com> wrote:
    Sheng,

    I hope my perspective will be helpful to you. I think of flow being about movement or action but how one is situated and feeling during that activity. Martin Seligman, referencing his long, strong relationship with Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi speaks of Flow as being "One with the music". I have experienced it many times, sometimes while running, sometimes while walking in nature, sometimes while teaching and sometimes while making a presentation, all when I was "in it". No real thoughts about externalities, or honestly not even thinking about the details of the subject matter or exercise. I think flow would have to be consider in the context of movement, not just physical but in terms of thinking, evolving and/or speaking. 

    I hope this is of some help. 

    Ron

    Ronald G. Fountain; DM, MSPOD, MBA
    Shaker Heights, OH 44120
    (m) 216-272-9460

    Creating the future by design, not living it by default. 
    From: Organizational Behavior Division Listserv <OB@AOMLISTS.AOM.ORG> on behalf of S Zhao <mhot77@HOTMAIL.COM>
     Sent: Monday, April 23, 2018 12:16 AM
    To: OB@AOMLISTS.AOM.ORG
    Subject: Re: [OB-LIST] the term flow (psychology)
     

    Hello，         

    I'm wandering if someone familiar with the concept of flow (positive psychology) can help. My question is that how the term flow is linked with meaning of daily word flow. Usually when we define a term, the words used in definition can be understood in their usual meanings.  Although I know the flow concept refers to a state of concentration, the word flow always reminds me of something in motion, which seemingly has little to do with the term flow.  In what meaning of the word flow was the concept flow defined? How the word flow in the term should be understood?

    Thank you in advance.


    Sheng






    --
    Dr. Emily Heaphy
    Assistant Professor of Management
    University of Rhode Island


  • 7.  the term flow (psychology)

    Posted 04-23-2018 09:44

    Hi Sheng, 


    I came across the "flow" idea from this book. You might check it out.  


    Csikszentmihalyi, Mihaly Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience


    Anne Tsui 

    From: Organizational Behavior Division Listserv <OB@AOMLISTS.AOM.ORG> on behalf of S Zhao <mhot77@HOTMAIL.COM>
    Sent: Monday, April 23, 2018 12:16:24 AM
    To: OB@AOMLISTS.AOM.ORG
    Subject: Re: [OB-LIST] the term flow (psychology)
     

    Hello，         

    I'm wandering if someone familiar with the concept of flow (positive psychology) can help. My question is that how the term flow is linked with meaning of daily word flow. Usually when we define a term, the words used in definition can be understood in their usual meanings.  Although I know the flow concept refers to a state of concentration, the word flow always reminds me of something in motion, which seemingly has little to do with the term flow.  In what meaning of the word flow was the concept flow defined? How the word flow in the term should be understood?

    Thank you in advance.


    Sheng




  • 8.  the term flow (psychology)

    Posted 04-23-2018 10:25
    Sheng,

    You also can see Csikszentmihalyi on TED.com. That might help. 

    Ron
    From: Organizational Behavior Division Listserv <OB@AOMLISTS.AOM.ORG> on behalf of Anne Tsui <Anne.Tsui@ASU.EDU>
    Sent: Monday, April 23, 2018 9:43 AM
    To: OB@AOMLISTS.AOM.ORG
    Subject: Re: [OB-LIST] the term flow (psychology)
     

    Hi Sheng, 


    I came across the "flow" idea from this book. You might check it out.  


    Csikszentmihalyi, Mihaly Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience


    Anne Tsui 

    From: Organizational Behavior Division Listserv <OB@AOMLISTS.AOM.ORG> on behalf of S Zhao <mhot77@HOTMAIL.COM>
    Sent: Monday, April 23, 2018 12:16:24 AM
    To: OB@AOMLISTS.AOM.ORG
    Subject: Re: [OB-LIST] the term flow (psychology)
     

    Hello，         

    I'm wandering if someone familiar with the concept of flow (positive psychology) can help. My question is that how the term flow is linked with meaning of daily word flow. Usually when we define a term, the words used in definition can be understood in their usual meanings.  Although I know the flow concept refers to a state of concentration, the word flow always reminds me of something in motion, which seemingly has little to do with the term flow.  In what meaning of the word flow was the concept flow defined? How the word flow in the term should be understood?

    Thank you in advance.


    Sheng




  • 9.  the term flow (psychology)

    Posted 04-23-2018 13:04
    Hi Sheng 

    Here is a recent paper from on Flow . Hope this helps 

    Flow and Information Sharing as Predictors of Ethical Selling Behavior
    G Sridhar, T Lyngdoh Journal of Business Ethics, 1-17

    Regards
    Teidor 


    ------
    Teidorlang Lyngdoh,
    Assistant Professor (Marketing),
    Xavier School of Management,XLRI,
    C.H Area (East), Jamshedpur 831001, India
    Mobile: +91-9633392848
    Alternate Email: teidor@xlri.ac.in

    On Mon, Apr 23, 2018 at 7:54 PM, Ronald Fountain <rgf2908@msn.com> wrote:
    Sheng,

    You also can see Csikszentmihalyi on TED.com. That might help. 

    Ron
    From: Organizational Behavior Division Listserv <OB@AOMLISTS.AOM.ORG> on behalf of Anne Tsui <Anne.Tsui@ASU.EDU>
    Sent: Monday, April 23, 2018 9:43 AM
    To: OB@AOMLISTS.AOM.ORG
    Subject: Re: [OB-LIST] the term flow (psychology)
     

    Hi Sheng, 


    I came across the "flow" idea from this book. You might check it out.  


    Csikszentmihalyi, Mihaly Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience


    Anne Tsui 

    From: Organizational Behavior Division Listserv <OB@AOMLISTS.AOM.ORG> on behalf of S Zhao <mhot77@HOTMAIL.COM>
    Sent: Monday, April 23, 2018 12:16:24 AM
    To: OB@AOMLISTS.AOM.ORG
    Subject: Re: [OB-LIST] the term flow (psychology)
     

    Hello，         

    I'm wandering if someone familiar with the concept of flow (positive psychology) can help. My question is that how the term flow is linked with meaning of daily word flow. Usually when we define a term, the words used in definition can be understood in their usual meanings.  Although I know the flow concept refers to a state of concentration, the word flow always reminds me of something in motion, which seemingly has little to do with the term flow.  In what meaning of the word flow was the concept flow defined? How the word flow in the term should be understood?

    Thank you in advance.


    Sheng





  • 10.  the term flow (psychology)

    Posted 04-23-2018 17:46
    Hello Sheng,

    You have received a great many wonderful suggestions, so you may already have sorted it out. But let me try to answer your questions directly and concisely. 

    First, Flow is a state of experience, not concentration. In fact, you decidedly don't "concentrate" your way to a Flow state. So start by reframing your understanding of Flow from that perspective.

    With that in mind, Flow arises when you experience a state of relative balance between the skill required by the current situation and the skill you can bring to bear on it. That is, you enter Flow when the skill you bring to bear are closely matched by what is needed. When in Flow, people report losing touch with both physical surroundings and time. The psychological term Flow is related to the word flow in the sense that it feels like an effortless or frictionless movement through time. So there is "something in motion" (as you describe) - one's awareness or experience.

    I hope the above helps to answer the questions you pose.

    Best, 
    Gregory Hennessy, MS, MBA
    PhD Student, Positive Organizational Psychology
    Claremont Graduate University

    President-Elect, Work & Organizations Division
    International Positive Psychology Association


    On Apr 22, 2018, at 9:16 PM, S Zhao <mhot77@HOTMAIL.COM> wrote:

    Hello，          
    I'm wandering if someone familiar with the concept of flow (positive psychology) can help. My question is that how the term flow is linked with meaning of daily word flow. Usually when we define a term, the words used in definition can be understood in their usual meanings.  Although I know the flow concept refers to a state of concentration, the word flow always reminds me of something in motion, which seemingly has little to do with the term flow.  In what meaning of the word flow was the concept flow defined? How the word flow in the term should be understood?
    Thank you in advance. 

    Sheng