University of Twente Student Theses
The Social Fabric of Career Development: Exploring Work Orientation and Employee Engagement in the Sensemaking Process of Newcomers at a Higher Education Institution
Wolbert, J.H.E. (2024) The Social Fabric of Career Development: Exploring Work Orientation and Employee Engagement in the Sensemaking Process of Newcomers at a Higher Education Institution.
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| Abstract: | Purpose: This study explores how work orientation and employee engagement influence the way newly hired academics at a higher education institution (HEI) make sense of the organizational strategy. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seventeen newly hired full-time academic employees at a university in the Netherlands, and the data was analyzed using inductive and deductive content analysis. Results: The interviewed academics explained their experiences through a strong focus on career orientation and social engagement. Perceived strategic goals and values that optimize their chances for career advancement and personal connections were considered very positive, while experiences believed to minimize these chances were perceived as negative. Inclusiveness, diversity, openness, teamwork, and continuous improvement were the most important values. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance newcoming academics at HEIs assign to professional advancement and personal connections. The high prevalence of career orientation is a surprising result, providing avenues for further research. The study offers practical implications for HEI management, such as attracting personnel whose goals and values fit the organization, ensuring transparency and information exchange surrounding career advancement, and fostering a collaborative work environment to stimulate social engagement |
| 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/98771 |
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