Understanding Individual Compassion in Organizations: The Role of Appraisals and Psychological Flexibility

Abstract

To enhance compassion in organizations, the processes by which compassion can be enhanced in individuals must be understood. We develop an expanded model of the components of compassionate responding that includes noticing, appraising, feeling, and acting. Using this model, we propose that psychological flexibility (mindfulness combined with values-directed action) contributes to enhancing the perceptual, cognitive, affective, and behavioral aspects of compassion. Specifically, mindfulness processes support the capacity to be compassionate while values processes motivate effort to engage in compassionate action. Training in psychological flexibility should be considered as one element of programs designed to increase organizational compassion.