Psychological Ownership: Journey of Past towards a Promising Future…

Psychological ownership (PO), a relatively new construct in the domain of positive psychology, is still in its nascent stage. A clearer understanding of what is known about PO and what still needs to be explored, would provide a more focussed direction for future research initiatives in this direction. This study reviews papers published between 2001 and 2017 that fulfilled the criteria of being qualitative and/or quantitative studies on PO. An inductive review of the studies helped the researchers to unravel a model of (a) antecedents to PO which describes the factors affecting PO, (b) intervening role played by PO, (c) an outcome of PO, and d) distinguishing nature of PO making it stand apart from other related constructs. Towards the end, based on the review, directions for future research have been proposed for a greater understanding of the relationship between PO and other constructs, especially in the organizational context can be attained. Specifically, the present work presents a platform for the expansion of an inclusive theory of PO and concrete underpinning for empirical testing. This systematic review would help in understanding how organizations can benefit from psychological ownership since such a feeling would inculcate responsibility and stewardship amongst employees.