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The last fifteen years have seen the emergence of positive psychology and positive organizational scholarship as new and increasingly popular areas of social science inquiry. However, there is little guidance available on how to research the positive, virtue, outliers, extreme cases, or the extraordinary with rigor. This panel discussion aims to explore how to research the positive, virtue, outliers, extreme cases, or the extraordinary with the intent of defining guidelines, or even a kind of tool-box which researchers can refer to depending on their research goals. We will look at methodological options and pitfalls, their epistemological and ontological assumptions, and the outcomes they can generate. Each of the presenters will raise questions to engage the audience in an interactive discussion around implications and potential directions for future research and exploration of this topic. At the end, audience members will be more aware of the unique challenges that are associated with a study of the positive or extreme cases, have an understanding off the tools or adjustments in methodology that are needed when studying them, and feel invigorated to study the positive with confidence and enthusiasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This symposium will explore the research and conceptual terrain that defines exceptional positive deviance: what it means to be "extraordinary" - and how it is achieved. Specifically, we will consider how to characterize extraordinary performances and behaviors, and what factors help account for them. A substantial diversity exists in the way "extraordinary" is understood and operationalized, from simply beyond excellent (doing what everyone else does, only better), to unexpected or unprecedented, disruptive positive change. The panelists will discuss the characteristics of extraordinary performances, behaviors, people and organizations, as well as the implications for leadership and governance. As a contribution, this symposium aims to provide insight about our evolving understanding of the meaning of "positive" in the positive movements such as positive organizational scholarship, positive psychology, and positive change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]