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The Balancing Act of Valuing Relatedness and Autonomy: A Qualitative Study among Young Professionals Entering the Hybrid Workforce

Zomer, C.J. (2023) The Balancing Act of Valuing Relatedness and Autonomy: A Qualitative Study among Young Professionals Entering the Hybrid Workforce.

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Abstract:Both autonomy and relatedness are extensively researched in the context of hybrid work, mostly focussing on the concepts separated. This study aims to explore a potential balance or interplay between the two concepts. As the hybrid work format becomes the future workplace, this study is particularly interested in young professionals entering this workforce. Interviews revealed that young employees do experience a strong sense of autonomy, however, this sense is consistent between work locations. In contrast, relatedness emerged as a more fluctuating concept between workplaces, highlighting the necessity of physical interaction to establish personal connections and relationships ships, which are non-existent in online settings. Furthermore, this study unveils a balancing act of autonomy and relatedness. There are situations in which relatedness is prioritized, while in other situations, the preference for autonomy may prevail. Furthermore, employees' value for autonomy is cultivated through shared ideas and relationships with colleagues. Thus, establishing relatedness contributes to the development of the individuals’ values for autonomy. Subsequently, this study considers approaching autonomy and relatedness as values instead of needs, as values may balance in priority and can change over time, which the results of this study suggest.
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/97297
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