This literature review aims to explore the various aspects of psychological capital (PsyCap), including its theoretical foundations, measurement methods, and the factors directly associated with PsyCap.
The approach employed in this study is scientific document synthesis, with a specific emphasis on scholarly articles published between 2001 and 2023. The selection of articles is limited to those published in internationally renowned journals that are indexed by reputable databases, including ISI (WoS) and SJR (Scopus).
Psychological capital is closely linked to other concepts at different levels. Scholars are investigating various factors associated with PsyCap, including health, project success, service marketing, banking services. It is important to note that different research areas have varying conceptualizations and scales when it comes to PsyCap.
This literature review of related studies reveals a growing global interest among researchers in the concept of positive psychological capital. The research results have shown significant interest in the items related to PsyCap, and and the factors directly associated with it, including antecedents, mediators, moderators, and outcomes.
1. Introduction
The subject of tangible capital has received considerable attention within the realm of economic development, attracting interest from both professionals and academia alike. In the context of limited economic resources, managers are becoming more aware of the importance of not only tangible capital, but also various forms of intangible capital such as human capital, social capital, and psychological capital (Newman et al., 2014) Positive psychological capital, commonly referred to as PsyCap, is a concept that falls under the umbrella of extended capital structures, specifically the fourth generation. This framework encompasses four distinct types of capital, namely economic capital, human capital, social capital, and positive psychological capital (Luthans et al., 2004) Moreover, psychological capital exhibits interconnections with different concepts within the field of behavioral science, such as attitude and behavior, operating at different levels. Resource-based theories serve as the fundamental underpinning for a multitude of studies examining the competitive advantage of organizations. Luthans et al. (2004) and Luthans and Youssef (2004, 2007) have developed a framework known as positive psychological capital, which draws upon the principles of positive psychology (Diener, 2003), positive organizational wisdom (Cameron et al., 2003), and positive organizational behavior (Luthans, 2002; Wright, 2003; Kidron and Peretz, 2024). This framework serves as a means to evaluate an individual's psychological capacity. The aforementioned framework encompasses four primary psychological states, namely confidence, hope, optimism, and resilience (Luthans et al., 2004; Luthans and Youssef, 2004, 2007; Avey et al., 2023). In recent times, there has been a notable surge in global research efforts directed toward the exploration of psychological capital. This has resulted in a multitude of studies that primarily concentrate on analyzing individual-level factors (e.g. Avey et al., 2009; McKenny et al., 2013; Bergheim et al., 2015; Salanova et al., 2021; Hartmann et al., 2020). Furthermore, scholars have conducted investigations on psychological capital within the context of teams (e.g. Walumbwa et al., 2010, 2011; Uen et al., 2021), and organizations (e.g. Rego et al., 2010; Alkire and Avey, 2013; Tefera and Hunsaker, 2021; Wang et al., 2024). It is worth noting that each author employs a unique methodology (such as individual, team, and organizational) that is contingent upon the characteristics of psychological capital. Notwithstanding the increasing focus on the subject, the notion of positive psychological capital remains relatively new in Vietnam, and there is a dearth of research pertaining to it, save for the study conducted by Nguyen and Nguyen (2012). Therefore, it is imperative to engage in comprehensive research on the concepts of psychological capital and its related matters.
2. Method
The primary objective of this study is to investigate the fundamental theories and conceptual underpinnings of psychological capital, while also integrating the notions of positive psychological capital and its associated research. Moreover, the study presents a comprehensive overview of the measures and scales employed in the evaluation of psychological capital, while also emphasizing potential directions for future research in this particular domain. The scope of the research encompasses the fields of psychological science, behavioral science, and organizational behavior. The primary approach employed in this study is scientific document synthesis, with a specific emphasis on scholarly articles published between 2001 and 2023. The selection of articles is limited to those published in internationally renowned journals that are indexed by reputable databases, including ISI (WoS – Web of Science) and SJR (Scopus). For collecting articles of PsyCap, authors used keywords, specifically, these terms of “positive psychological capital”; “PsyCap” (shorten for positive psychological capital); “antecedent”; “mediator”; “moderator”; “outcome”; “individual”; “team”; “organization”; and “PCQ” (shorten for the questionnaire of positive psychological capital) had been searched in the international scientific database.
Furthermore, the study engages in the examination, juxtaposition, interpretation, and assessment of matters about psychological capital. The results of this study offer valuable insights for managers seeking a thorough comprehension of extended capital structures, specifically focusing on psychological capital. These findings can aid in the development of strategies aimed at maintaining and improving positive psychological capital at the individual, team, and organizational levels. In addition, this study serves to ensure that researchers remain informed about the most recent developments in pertinent scientific literature, thereby providing a comprehensive understanding of psychological capital.
3. Literature review
3.1 Underlying theories of psychological capital
Since the emergence of positive psychology, scholars such as Seligman and Csikszentmihalyi (2000) as well as Diener (2003) have shown considerable interest in this area. As a result, researchers have devoted significant attention to the study of positive psychology, exploring it from both theoretical and practical standpoints. Significantly, two specific research directions within the field of positive psychology have attracted considerable attention from scholars, particularly about organizations: (1) Positive Organizational Scholarship (POS), as introduced by Cameron et al. (2003), investigates the favorable characteristics of organizations that bolster their capacity to operate effectively in the face of adversity; (2) Positive Organizational Behavior (POB), as conceptualized by Wright (2003), is a framework that centers on the evaluation of positive psychological states that have an impact on employee attitudes, behavior, and overall effectiveness.
Based on the utilization of positive psychology constructs and empirical research, Luthans et al. (2004) and Luthans and Youssef (2004, 2007), Avey et al. (2022) have identified four psychological resources that are most congruent with the scientific criteria of Positive Organizational Behavior (POB), including confidence, hope, optimism, and resilience. The resources referred to as psychological capital or PsyCap are of great importance in comprehending positive organizational behavior.
3.2 Concepts of psychological capital
While economic capital, which includes financial and tangible assets, has received considerable attention, managers are now acknowledging the importance of intangible factors, specifically human capital (Luthans et al., 2004). Aligning human capital with the development strategy of an enterprise enhances efficiency (Harter et al., 2002). Social capital refers to the connections and networks of individuals (Luthans et al., 2004). Meanwhile, Luthans and Youssef (2004, 2007) argue that psychological capital, as depicted in Figure 1 and subsequent steps in the capital structure, defines an individual's essence rather than their possessions, knowledge, or social connections.
Psychological capital is differentiated from other forms of capital, including human capital and social capital. Human capital refers to an individual's knowledge and skills, whereas social capital pertains to an individual's network and relationships. Positive psychological capital is associated with one's current identity and potential for personal growth (Luthans and Youssef, 2004, 2007). Positive psychological capital includes confidence, hope, optimism, and resilience (Luthans and Youssef, 2007; Avey et al., 2010, 2023). This section offers comprehensive explanations of the concepts associated with positive psychological capital.
Confidence is the belief an individual has in their ability to motivate themselves, perceive available resources, and take necessary actions to accomplish a specific task within a given context (Luthans et al., 2004). Confidence refers to the belief in one's ability to effectively utilize cognitive resources to achieve desired outcomes (Luthans and Youssef, 2004, 2007).
Hope is a constructive and motivational emotional state that drives individuals to strive for success, it encompasses the utilization of focused energy and the development of strategies to achieve specific goals (Luthans et al., 2004). Hope includes both the desire and the ability to achieve particular human objectives (Luthans and Youssef, 2004, 2007).
Optimism is rooted in the theory of attribution and involves the interpretation of positive and negative events regularly, it tends to perceive negative events as transient occurrences, such as feeling tired in a particular moment (Seligman and Csikszentmihalyi, 2000). Optimism can be defined as the tendency to attribute positive internal events to permanent and common causes while attributing negative external events to temporary and specific circumstances (Luthans and Youssef, 2004, 2007).
Resilience is a highly regarded and significant human attribute that enhances the capacity of individuals and society to recover from adversity and return to a state of normalcy (Luthans et al., 2004). Resilience refers to the capacity to recover from setbacks, adversity, and transformations, resulting in personal growth (Luthans and Youssef, 2004, 2007; Avey et al., 2023).
Previous research conducted prior to the development of the psychological capital scale focused on variables such as individual differences and positive core values, which encompass the five major personality traits (Luthans et al., 2007; Avey et al., 2010). Positive psychological capital naturally evolves and develops continuously across different psychological states (Luthans et al., 2007; Luthans and Youssef, 2017; Avey et al., 2023). Numerous studies have examined the formation of positive psychological capital (e.g. Demerouti et al., 2011; Peterson et al., 2011). Research on psychological capital typically focuses on key concepts like confidence, hope, optimism, and resilience. However, there is also considerable discussion on other related concepts included in the psychological capital scale, such as humor, gratitude, and forgiveness (Luthans and Youssef, 2007; Luthans et al., 2008a). While these approaches appear reasonable, they may not be adequate on their own for testing theories in practical settings (Dawkins et al., 2013).
The management of psychological capital presents various complexities and obstacles. Luthans and Youssef (2004) suggested that the most effective way to enhance employee confidence is by offering opportunities for them to achieve success. Practical experiences significantly contribute to individuals' self-confidence and task performance in the workplace. To foster enduring self-confidence, individuals need to actively seek out challenges and strive to accomplish specific objectives. Participating in practical training courses can enhance employees' self-assurance in their everyday tasks.
3.3 Related works
Positive psychology has gained attention from researchers in different fields. This topic has been examined in the field of organizational behavior, specifically about attitudes (e.g. Avey et al., 2011; Giltrow, 2015; Alessandri et al., 2018; Miao et al., 2021), and behavior (e.g. Alkire and Avey, 2013; Youssef and Luthans, 2013; Paterson et al., 2014; Avey et al., 2022). Previous research has examined the application of positive psychology in the context of projects (e.g. Natovich et al., 2013; Harms et al., 2017), service marketing (e.g. Memili et al., 2014; Friend et al., 2016), banking services (e.g. Ziyae et al., 2015; Khalid et al., 2020; Santos and Ponchio, 2021) and intellectual capital (e.g. Nahapiet and Ghoshal, 1998; Han and Li, 2015; Asare et al., 2023). Table 2 presents comprehensive data on various studies pertaining to psychological capital.
The outcome of psychological capital
| Outcome | Level | Details of related works |
|---|---|---|
| Attitude | P | |
| T | ||
| O | ||
| Behavior | P | |
| T | ||
| O | ||
| Job performance | P | |
| T | ||
| O | ||
| Satisfaction | P | |
| T | ||
| O |
Note(s): P: Individual; T: Team; O: Organization
Source(s): Compiled by author
Psychological capital is often considered an independent variable in research studies, affecting dependent factors like innovation, service quality, and perception. PsyCap is regarded as a mediate variable in certain research models (e.g. Luthans et al., 2008a; Tang et al., 2019). Besides, some studies have examined psychological capital as the dependent variable (e.g. Harms and Luthans, 2012; Harms et al., 2017).
3.3.1 Antecedents of psychological capital
Psychological capital is influenced by both external and internal factors in individuals (Newman et al., 2014a, b). The workplace is a favorable setting for cultivating employees' psychological capital, which includes hope, personal goal attainment, and resources for personal growth. This helps employees regain their morale following setbacks (Luthans et al., 2008a). Besides, Luthans et al. (2008a) discovered that psychological capital acts as a mediator in the connection between organizational support and individual job performance.
Additionally, individuals experiencing high levels of stress in their work environments and work-family conflicts tend to have lower levels of psychological capital in comparison to individuals who have more experience and lower levels of stress (Newman et al., 2014a, b). On the other hand, Epitropaki (2013), Jang (2022) have demonstrated that uncertainty is associated with a decrease in psychological capital, which in turn predicts individual stress across different levels. Previous research has examined how positive psychological capital contributes to the relationship between authentic leader behavior and job performance, both at the individual and team levels (e.g. Gooty et al., 2009; Rego et al., 2010; Walumbwa et al., 2010, 2011; Uen et al., 2021). Otherwise, McMurray et al. (2010), Shie and Chang (2022), Yuwono et al. (2024) discovered that psychological capital acts as a mediator between transformational leadership and both employee performance and organizational behavior at the individual level. Rego et al. (2010) found a mediated relationship between authentic leaders and creative workers via psychological capital. Walumbwa et al. (2010) found that the team's collective psychological capital serves as a mediator between authentic leadership, employee performance, and organizational behavior. Table 1 summarizes the prefixes of psychological capital derived from pertinent studies.
Psychological capital and concepts related to psychological capital
| Antecedent | PsyCap | Mediator | Moderator | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
| Antecedent | PsyCap | Mediator | Moderator | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Awareness Satisfaction Positive psychology Stress Confliction Ethics Leadership Organizational support Organizational politics Human capital Social capital | Confidence Hope Optimistic Resilience | Empowerment Commitment Team performance Communication | Cohesion Behavior integration Stress Leadership psychology Team value Organizational identity Service marketing | Attitude Behavior Job performance Financial performance Satisfaction Innovation Service quality Project success Knowledge management Entrepreneur |
Source(s): Compiled by author
3.3.2 Moderators of psychological capital
Psychological capital has a stronger association with job performance in the service industry than in the manufacturing industry (Avey et al., 2008). Service acts as a moderator in the relationship between psychological capital and job performance at the individual level (Walumbwa et al., 2010; Siyal et al., 2023). This relationship is more significant when the service environment is positive. Norman et al. (2010) posited that organizational identity plays a regulatory role in the connection between individual psychological capital and organizational behavior.
Stress diminishes the influence of psychological capital on older adults in comparison to younger adults, at the team level (Baron et al., 2013). Psychological capital acts as a moderating variable at the individual level, examining factors that influence work performance. Roberts et al. (2011), Jang (2022) found that psychological capital acts as a moderator in the relationship between stress and attitude. This moderation effect is weaker among individuals with higher levels of positive psychological capital. Abbas et al. (2012) found that organizational politics has a negative association with efficiency and job satisfaction. However, this association is less pronounced among individuals who possess positive psychological capital.
3.3.3 Outcomes of psychological capital
3.3.3.1 Psychological capital and attitude
Several studies have investigated the correlation between psychological capital and employees' attitudes, including organizational commitment and job satisfaction (e.g. Avey et al., 2011; Mustafa et al., 2016; Przepiorka, 2017; Tang et al., 2019; Tefera and Hunsaker, 2021; Doci et al., 2023). Positive psychological capital has a significant effect on employees' long-term commitment to their tasks in the organization (Luthans and Jensen, 2005). Individuals with high psychological capital demonstrate optimistic outlooks for the future and possess strong self-assurance in confronting work-related challenges (Newman et al., 2014a, b). Previous studies have investigated the impact of psychological capital on employees' attitudes toward disengagement or intention to quit (e.g. Avey et al., 2008, 2011; Avey et al., 2009).
Psychological capital has a significant impact on employees' behaviors in the workplace. Positive emotions, particularly among individuals with high psychological capital in problem-solving, are associated with positive behaviors (Avey et al., 2011). Research has shown a positive correlation between psychological capital and organizational behavior (Gooty et al., 2009; Norman et al., 2010). In contrast, a negative correlation exists between psychological capital and undesirable or deviant behaviors (Avey et al., 2011; Lei et al., 2023). Furthermore, Walumbwa et al. (2011) proposed a positive relationship between psychological capital and organizational behavior at the team level.
Positive psychological capital has a significant effect on positive work behavior and job satisfaction in organizational members (Larson and Luthans, 2006). Psychological capital composition is a significant indicator of positive work motivation, which is associated with organizational and work performance (Newman et al., 2014). Hope has been found to have a positive impact on organizational commitment, job performance, and job satisfaction in various independent studies (Luthans et al., 2007; Katircioglu et al., 2022).
3.3.3.2 Psychological capital and work performance
Research has shown that individuals with higher levels of positive psychological capital are more effective in their work compared to those with lower levels (Luthans et al., 2007, 2008a). Similarly, Luthans et al. (2008a) proposed a positive association between positive psychological capital and individual job performance. Avey et al. (2010) discovered positive correlations between psychological capital and various activities such as human resources, finance, and management. Moreover, several studies have demonstrated a positive relationship between psychological capital and job performance (e.g. Luthans et al., 2008a; Ardichvili, 2011; Alkire and Avey, 2013; Kappagoda et al., 2014; Han and Li, 2015; Alessandri et al., 2018; Kidron and Peretz, 2024; Yuwono et al., 2024). Positive psychological capital has a significant influence on individual-level innovation efficiency. Sweetman et al. (2011) suggested a relationship between positive psychological capital and creative efficiency and innovative problem-solving.
Besides, the association between psychological capital and job performance is evident at both the team and organizational levels. Walumbwa et al. (2010) proposed a positive relationship between leaders' psychological capital and employees' psychological capital and work performance. Walumbwa et al. (2011) expanded on the collective psychological capital framework, which focuses on the team's shared psychological state. This framework is based on four attributes of psychological capital at the individual level. McKenny et al. (2013) found a significant correlation between psychological capital and financial performance in organizational settings.
3.3.4 Psychological capital and other factors
Psychological capital is linked to factors beyond attitude, behavior, work efficiency, and job satisfaction. The factors examined in previous studies encompass various domains, such as health, entrepreneurial intention, project success, and knowledge management. Examples of previous studies related to these domains include references for health (e.g. Cameron et al., 2003; Luthans and Jensen, 2005; Sukoco and Lee, 2017; Broad and Luthans, 2020; Luthans and Broad, 2024) or Covid-19 (e.g. Mao et al., 2021; Forster et al., 2023; Sharma et al., 2024), for entrepreneurial intention (e.g. Ma et al., 2018; Newman et al., 2019; Flores et al., 2023), for project success (e.g. Avey et al., 2011; Natovich et al., 2013), and knowledge management (e.g. Ardichvili, 2011; Sartori and Scalco, 2014; Han and Li, 2015; Goswami and Agrawal, 2023). In addition, several authors have examined the connection between extended capital structures, including human capital and positive psychological capital (e.g. Cameron et al., 2003; Luthans and Jensen, 2005; Sukoco and Lee, 2017; Flores et al., 2023), as well as social capital and positive psychological capital (e.g. Epitropaki, 2013; Luthans et al., 2004; Luthans and Youssef, 2004; Kahtani and Sulphey, 2022; Kidron and Peretz, 2024). Authors have shown interest in psychological capital in the field of service marketing (e.g. Avey, Nimnicht and Pigeon, 201l; Avey et al., 2011; Nguyen and Nguyen, 2012; Liu et al., 2024). Table 2 provides comprehensive summaries of studies about psychological capital.
4. Psychological capital measurement and research trends
4.1 Psychological capital measurement
4.1.1 Measurement approach
Psychological capital has been evaluated in studies at both individual and team levels using a PsyCap Questionnaire (PCQ). This scale, consisting of 24 observed variables, was developed and validated by Luthans et al. (2007). Besides, Newman et al. (2014a, b) found that the PCQ measure is commonly used in empirical studies to assess psychological capital at both individual and team levels. Moreover, several studies employ the abbreviated version of the PCQ measure, while a minority utilize the covert scale (Luthans et al., 2016; Luthans et al., 2019).
Then, Dawkins et al. (2013) highlighted critical evaluations of psychological attributes in the PCQ measure, as supported by theoretical background studies. Researchers have identified several important issues related to the measurement of psychological capital. These include the need to address biases in self-reported scales, the potential use of alternative measures such as other-rated or physiological scales, and the lack of sufficient evaluations regarding the suitability of the psychological capital scale for team and organizational levels.
In many studies, individual-level data on psychological capital were collected from a single source and at a single time point, which raises the possibility of Common Method Variance (CMV). Accordingly, CMV has the potential to result in inflated correlations among psychological capital variables (Avey et al., 2011). Despite researchers acknowledging the importance of mitigating CMV through data collection from various sources and at different time points (Podsakoff et al., 2003), the findings suggested that this problem continues to exist. Hence, it is crucial to focus on addressing CMV in the interrelationships among the components of the psychological capital measure.
4.1.2 Psychological capital measure
An alternative method for assessing psychological capital at the individual level, in response to the subjective nature of self-report scales (Demerouti et al., 2011). This entails obtaining evaluations from partners, supervisors, and stakeholders regarding the psychological well-being of the employee. Besides, Harms and Luthans (2012) and Harms et al. (2017, 2018) suggested employing the Implicit PsyCap Questionnaire (I-PCQ) as a means to mitigate bias. The I-PCQ scale comprises interviews with individuals regarding three distinct narratives, each presenting positive, negative, and ambiguous events. Participants are subsequently requested to answer inquiries pertaining to the four constituents of psychological capital. The I-PCQ includes scale values that are consistent with the PCQ (Luthans, 2012; Harms et al., 2018; Lorenz et al., 2016; Newman et al., 2019). Although this approach reduces subjectivity, it does not fully eliminate CMV because it relies on self-reported data.
While psychological capital has traditionally been studied at the individual level, there is a growing interest in examining it at the team and organizational levels. Walumbwa et al. (2011) created a scale to measure collective psychological capital, which emphasizes the collaboration between team members to improve team capability and accomplish organizational objectives. Greater agreement among team members leads to increased collective psychological capital in this particular context. Roma et al. (2009) highlighted the impact of positive psychological capital on team performance, a topic of growing importance in research. Furthermore, McKenny et al. (2013) introduced a psychological capital scale specifically designed for measuring organizational-level factors. This scale utilizes content analysis to examine a collection of keywords derived from CEO letters to shareholders, which represent the psychological capital of the organization. The Computer-Aided Text (CAT) method, which is used to measure psychological capital, bears resemblance to the self-report scale.
4.2 Psychological capital research trends
Theoretical gaps in psychological capital research can be categorized into three areas: (1) Studying the applications of psychological capital at different levels; (2) Examining the underlying mechanisms that influence psychological capital outcomes at individual, team, and organizational levels; and (3) Identifying factors that may moderate the relationships between psychological capital and its outcomes in various settings and levels. Further research in these three areas can yield valuable insights for improving the effects of positive psychological capital on job performance at different levels and identifying the contexts that maximize the impact of psychological capital on job performance.
4.2.1 Multilevel applications and psychological capital
Previous research has primarily focused on examining psychological capital at the individual level, with limited attention given to studying it at the team and organizational levels. Some authors have examined the various applications of psychological capital at multiple levels (e.g. Walumbwa et al., 2010, 2011; Salanova et al., 2021; Miao et al., 2021; Hartmann et al., 2020), which has brought up several important concerns.
Numerous studies have investigated psychological capital at various levels, indicating that its impact on individual job performance is particularly significant at the team and organizational levels (Walumbwa et al., 2011; Qiu et al., 2019; Agarwal and Avey, 2020; Schwarz et al., 2023; Yuwono et al., 2024). Furthermore, there is a relationship between psychological capital and its outcomes that can be observed at different levels. This has two important implications, these are not only examine the positive psychological capital structure conceptually, but also explore its theoretical implications. Furthermore, examining the correlation between psychological capital and associated factors at various levels offers organizations the opportunity to optimize resource allocation in order to effectively cultivate positive psychological capital at the individual, team, and organizational levels. Limited research exists on the association between psychological capital and organizational outcomes, as noted by McKenny et al. (2013). They emphasize the significance of psychological capital in influencing organizational outcomes, such as innovation efficiency.
Future research on psychological capital could investigate the direct effects of concepts at various levels. For instance, this study aims to examine the correlation between individual performance and psychological capital within a team context. Moreover, it seeks to explore the relationship between a highly efficient work system and psychological capital at the individual level. Newman et al. (2014a, b), Shie and Chang (2022), Wang et al. (2024) suggested that combining analyses of psychological capital factors at different levels allows for comparisons between organizational outcomes, such as human resource development assistance, and individual or team-level results, such as investment in leadership development, within the organization as a whole. Gully et al. (2002) suggested that there may be distinct outcomes at the individual and team levels when considering individual and collective confidence. Furthermore, future research could investigate the impact of individual psychological capital and collective psychological capital on outcomes at both the individual and team levels.
4.2.2 Mediating of psychological capital
The main emphasis in psychological capital research has been on the assumptions and results, with less consideration given to intermediary factors. Nevertheless, certain researchers have begun to identify potential mediators that could explain the connection between psychological capital and its outcomes (e.g. Avey et al., 2008, 2011, Avey et al., 2010). However, it is important to note that this field of research is still in its nascent phase. Hence, additional research is imperative to enhance comprehension of the factors that impact outcomes related to psychological capital (Newman et al., 2014a, b). Furthermore, it is crucial for researchers to thoroughly investigate mediating variables at both the individual and group levels.
Research has shown that personal psychological capital has a stronger impact on job performance at the individual level compared to other levels such as team and organization (Newman et al., 2014a, b). Further research is required to better understand the factors that affect the outcomes of psychological capital at the team level. Psychological capital at the team level can positively impact team performance through the improvement of team empowerment and communication. Research has demonstrated significant associations between variables such as team commitment, team effectiveness, and team performance (Gully et al., 2002; Roma et al., 2009; Sukoco and Lee, 2017; Liu et al., 2024).
4.2.3 Moderating of psychological capital
Research on psychological capital has been limited in exploring factors that may influence the relationship between psychological capital and its outcomes (Harter et al., 2002). Additional research is needed to explore the moderator variables of psychological capital in order to establish the specific circumstances under which the relationships between psychological capital and its outcomes vary at different levels and degrees (Newman et al., 2014a, b; Shie and Chang, 2022). These studies can help organizations create work environments and offer support for effectively utilizing psychological capital at the individual and team levels. Furthermore, it is important for research on the moderating variables of psychological capital and its outcomes to consider all three levels of analysis, namely individuals, teams, and organizations (Newman et al., 2014a, b; Wang et al., 2024).
Professionals expect that positive psychological capital can have a significant impact on the performance of certain individuals at the individual level. Positive psychological capital enhances individuals' confidence in establishing crucial social networks (Saks and Gruman, 2011; Liu et al., 2024). New employees can utilize social networks to seek advice and support in order to enhance their performance in their work roles. Besides, researchers can analyze various factors that may influence the connection between psychological capital and its outcomes at the team level. These factors include team value validity (e.g. Brown and Trevino, 2006; Larson and Luthans, 2006; Giltrow, 2015), behavioral integration (e.g. Simsek et al., 2005), and cohesion (e.g. Beal et al., 2003). These factors can augment the influence of collective psychological capital on team performance. Furthermore, research has shown that consensus among team members can enhance the group's effectiveness in achieving goals (Gibson and Earley, 2007). Further research is required to investigate potential factors that may influence the relationship between psychological capital and its outcomes at the organizational level.
5. Conclusion
The review of related studies reveals a growing global interest among researchers in the concept of positive psychological capital. In Vietnam, there has been limited research attention given to this topic. Psychological capital is closely linked to other concepts, including leadership, attitude, behavior, job performance, and satisfaction, at different levels (individual, team, and organization). Furthermore, scholars are investigating various factors associated with psychological capital, including health, project success, service marketing, banking services … Additionally, it is important to note that different research areas have varying conceptualizations and scales when it comes to psychological capital.
The research findings provide valuable insights for managers to better understand extended capital structures, particularly psychological capital. This comprehension can assist in developing efficient tactics and strategies to promote and improve the management of positive psychological capital at levels of individual, team, and organization. The research results provide a scientific basis and a starting point on psychological capital. In the future works, authors will study more detail in the impact of PsyCap for organizational innovation, the applicability of PysCap in different cultural contexts …
Erratum: It has come to the attention of the publisher that the article, Nguyen, T.D., Cao, T.H., Nguyen, T.M. and Nguyen, T.T. (2024), “Psychological capital: a literature review and research trends”, Asian Journal of Economics and Banking, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/AJEB-08-2023-0076 failed to include the JEL codes, these have now been added. The publisher sincerely apologises for this error and for any inconvenience caused.

