Discriminating Between ‘Meaningful Work’ and the ‘Management of Meaning’

Abstract

action research, management of meaning, meaningful work, meaningless work,

What Makes Work Meaningful

“…Lips-Wiersma (2002) developed her initial model based on findings from a qualitative research study exploring work meanings of 16 spiritually oriented people. The model was subsequently refined through additional research including a large-scale action-research project spanning six years across five Western countries (Lips-Wiersma & Morris, 2009). Their holistic model of meaningful work proposes four sources of meaningful work: 1) Self-developing and becoming, 2) Unity with others, 3) Expressing full potential, and 4) Serving others.…”

Authentic Leadership and Altruism: The Mediating Role of Meaningfulness

“…There is a consensus in all social science literature that the search for meaning is a universal human motive and that loss of meaning leads to psychological deprivation or even disorder [1]. According to Frankly [2], the search for meaning is a basic motive in life.…”

“…This question confronts both the ultimate purpose of life and the ethical issue in everyday life. Meaningfulness is experienced in everyday life when virtues such as compassion, honesty, caring, and commitment are transformed into actions [1].…”

“…It is asserted that when work is congruent with values, beliefs, attitudes and identity the authentic self develops while will also shape the meaning in work [4]. Individuals who understand the existential structure of life and assume responsibility for their identity and life are considered authentic [1]. Sometimes authentic life and meaningful life are seen equal [5].…”

“…Less of meaningfulness can lead to work alienation or disengagement [7]. According to organizational theoreticians, through leadership and organizational culture practices, it is possible to make occupationally meaningful work for employees in organizations [1]. Leaders play an important role in influencing or shaping the meaning of work [4].…”