This thesis delves into the exploration of meaningful work by examining the narratives and experiences of employees. Employing a theory-elaborative approach while utilizing Laaser and Karlsson's (2022) typology of autonomy, recognition, and dignity as a foundational framework of meaningful work. This investigation centers on firsthand accounts, with four social workers from a municipality in Sweden providing insights through four in-depth interviews and thus shedding light on what holds importance within the context of their work. Aligned with the theory, patterns surfaced in informants' statements, indicating interdependent relationships among conditions fostering recognition, dignity, and autonomy at work. While cautioning against asserting causation, this observation emerged organically during empirical analysis. Additionally, the study identifies an unexplored dimension within the typology of meaningful work—the emotional dimension. Recognizing the pivotal role of emotion management and emotional experiences, this dimension can enrich our understanding of employees' perceptions of meaningful work. The essay demonstrates the foundational role of formal and informal autonomy, acting as a cornerstone where other dimensions converge to create a meaningful work experience. Whether originating from formal or informal channels, autonomy empowers employees to establish a sphere independent of the formal organization. This autonomy, illustrated by examples such as schedule flexibility and break adjustments, strengthens the informal organization's capacity to uphold dimensions of dignity, recognition, and emotional well-being (cf. Laaser & Karlsson, 2022).
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:kau-98792 |
| Date | January 2024 |
| Creators | Ejbyfeldt, Simon |
| Publisher | Karlstads universitet, Fakulteten för humaniora och samhällsvetenskap (from 2013) |
| Source Sets | DiVA Archive at Upsalla University |
| Language | Swedish |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Student thesis, info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis, text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Rights | info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess |
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