Chasing the Flow - Addressing Key Conceptual, Theoretical, and Methodological Challenges to Study Flow at Work

Flow refers to a psychological state of deep involvement in an activity. Research on flow has reached a crisis point, with no consensus yet established on the fundamental characteristics of this state and numerous unaddressed calls in the literature for greater conceptual clarity and robust methodologies. The core aim of this dissertation is to offer advanced conceptual knowledge on the core nature of flow and provide key theoretical and methodological implications for flow research. In doing so, this dissertation addresses two key conceptual challenges - i.e., to what extent flow is (1) a dynamic and stable state; and (2) a discrete and continuous state - and the theoretical (i.e., understanding when dynamic fluctuations in flow emerge) and methodological challenges (i.e., understanding how to capture dynamic fluctuations in flow) they entail for flow research. In a series of three conducted studies, we advanced conceptual clarity by studying the core nature and occurrence patterns of flow within employees' daily working lives. Theoretically, we tested different perspectives on the temporal within-person dynamics of flow to refine existing frameworks and perspectives. Finally, on a methodological level, we guided and developed new advancements for data collection and analytical procedures by offering unique insights into how different methodologies adequately capture within-person dynamics in flow.