
Pursuing Meaningfulness in the Modern Workplace
Chapter from the book:
Çetinceli,
K.
(ed.)
2025.
Organizational Behavior: Contemporary Approaches in Theory and Practice.
Synopsis
Technological, social, and cultural transformations in working life have led to profound changes in employees’ expectations; in parallel with this transformation, the concept of meaningful work has become a significant area of research that addresses not only economic gain but also individuals’ psychological, moral, and social quests for meaning. Meaningful work refers to an individual’s perception of their job as a valuable, purposeful activity that aligns with their personal life. It positively influences not only psychological well-being but also important organizational outcomes such as organizational commitment, job satisfaction, and performance. In the existing literature, meaningful work is examined through two primary lenses: the individual’s subjective experience and the objective features of the job itself. Despite the relevance of both perspectives, a comprehensive integration of these approaches remains incomplete. This study addresses meaningful work as a multidimensional construct across both individual and organizational levels, offering an in-depth analysis of its antecedents and outcomes. Furthermore, the study offers a comparative analysis of meaningful work in relation to related constructs such as decent work, job satisfaction, work engagement, and psychological well-being. As a conclusion, it is emphasized that supporting meaningful work experiences is critical for both individual well-being and organizational effectiveness, and it is recommended that strategic and holistic approaches be developed by organizations to enhance such experiences