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Do what you love or love what you do? : The perception of Millennials on work meaning and engagement

Rottink, E.S. (2017) Do what you love or love what you do? : The perception of Millennials on work meaning and engagement.

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Abstract:They are the upcoming workforce in organizational life: The Millennials. While a significant amount of studies already placed emphasis on the characteristics of this young generation in comparison to previous generations and how workplace demands change, limited empirical research has been done in the field of Millennials on work meaning and engagement in work and organizations. How are these concepts defined specifically by this generation? Expanding prior research, the present study connects existing fundamental mechanisms regarding work meaning and engagement in a way that is not yet studied, resulting in several novel understandings. By means of a qualitative study in the form of twenty interviews among the Millennial generation in The Netherlands, this study offers a framework and practical implications how organizations can anticipate on this upcoming prominent force in the workplace. Results indicate Millennials’ perception concerning work and organizations covers three key themes, that is freedom, egomania or self-centeredness and hedonism. Besides being dominated in their liberating character, freedom is expressed in work-life balance and how Millennials engage with organizations. Their self-centered focus is conveyed in various aspects of work meaning and how the generation engages with work. Finally, hedonism prevails in their base of work choice and overall perspective on life.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:05 communication studies
Programme:Communication Studies MSc (60713)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/71784
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