Perceptions of Meaningful Work: Does Organizational Mission Matter?
Advisor Information
Carey Ryan
Location
MBSC Ballroom - Poster #509 - G
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
4-3-2022 2:00 PM
End Date
4-3-2022 3:15 PM
Abstract
Meaningful work has been examined from perspectives ranging from a focus on the self, to the influence of others, to the effects of spirituality, but the contextual factors affecting meaningfulness of work have not been adequately explored. One contextual factor of particular interest is that of organizational mission statements. The current study examines perceptions of meaningfulness as a function of mission statements that vary in organizational values. Participants who are employed full-time will be recruited from Prolific Academic to complete an online questionnaire. They will first be asked to respond to open-ended questions about their experiences with mission statements (e.g., whether they are aware of their organization’s mission statement). Then they will be randomly assigned to read one of three mission statements: one that supports traditional workplace values; one that supports diversity, equity, and inclusion; and one that supports helping veterans. Finally, participants will complete measures of meaningfulness of work, interest in the organization, and person-organization fit as well as demographic items that include a measure of conservatism. I hypothesize that individuals will perceive greater meaningfulness in working at an organization that supports a social cause than at an organization that values tradition, and that this effect will depend on conservatism.
Scheduling Link
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Perceptions of Meaningful Work: Does Organizational Mission Matter?
MBSC Ballroom - Poster #509 - G
Meaningful work has been examined from perspectives ranging from a focus on the self, to the influence of others, to the effects of spirituality, but the contextual factors affecting meaningfulness of work have not been adequately explored. One contextual factor of particular interest is that of organizational mission statements. The current study examines perceptions of meaningfulness as a function of mission statements that vary in organizational values. Participants who are employed full-time will be recruited from Prolific Academic to complete an online questionnaire. They will first be asked to respond to open-ended questions about their experiences with mission statements (e.g., whether they are aware of their organization’s mission statement). Then they will be randomly assigned to read one of three mission statements: one that supports traditional workplace values; one that supports diversity, equity, and inclusion; and one that supports helping veterans. Finally, participants will complete measures of meaningfulness of work, interest in the organization, and person-organization fit as well as demographic items that include a measure of conservatism. I hypothesize that individuals will perceive greater meaningfulness in working at an organization that supports a social cause than at an organization that values tradition, and that this effect will depend on conservatism.