The effect of psychological capital on job satisfaction in educational institutions: the mediating role of happiness at work

Educational institutions are commonly accepted as the working environments where employees are exposed to high levels of stress and burnout due to their nature. By referring to the positive psychology perspective, the study investigates the role of psychological capital on job satisfaction in such organizations. The mediating effect of workplace happiness in the mentioned relationship was also tested to provide a more holistic perspective. The data of the research were collected through structured questionnaires from 240 employees working in a private educational institution operating in Adana province. Findings reveal that both psychological capital and happiness at work positively affect job satisfaction. In addition, it has been concluded that the effect of psychological capital on job satisfaction, although partially, is through happiness at work. The study are expected to contribute to the body of knowledge by reassessing the positive psychological assumptions in educational institutions whose workers are exposed to excessive stress. The findings are also expected to guide the management of human resources activities in this sector.