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The Double-Sided Nature of Meaningful Work: Promoting and Challenging Factors within the Swedish Equine Sector

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  • Åsa Bergman Bruhn

    (Work Sciences, Dalarna University, 791 88 Falun, Sweden)

Abstract

Meaningful work is related to a range of positive outcomes, but also negative effects. Research regarding meaningful work and lifestyle-oriented work; i.e., when making a livelihood based on a leisure interest and personal lifestyle, is deficient. The aim of this qualitative study is therefore to explore factors that promote and challenge meaningful work in a lifestyle-oriented setting. The study focuses on the perspective of employees within the Swedish equine sector, and is based on individual interviews. The results show that person–environment fit, task significance, and occupational culture seem to be important factors in the promotion of meaningful work. In addition, the analysis also illustrates how the nature of meaningful work has an inherent duality, constructed by a balancing act between doing good for oneself and for others. The tension is reinforced by the fact that the same factors can both promote meaningful work and challenge meaningfulness. This study shows that meaningful work not only comes with satisfaction, enjoyment, and fulfillment, but also an acceptance of challenging working conditions, which may lead to sacrifices and exhaustion. The double-sided nature of meaningful work can therefore affect the employees’ well-being, and challenge the willingness and ability to remain in the occupation.

Suggested Citation

  • Åsa Bergman Bruhn, 2022. "The Double-Sided Nature of Meaningful Work: Promoting and Challenging Factors within the Swedish Equine Sector," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 13(1), pages 1-14, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jchals:v:13:y:2022:i:1:p:13-:d:784933
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Blake A. Allan & Cassondra Batz-Barbarich & Haley M. Sterling & Louis Tay, 2019. "Outcomes of Meaningful Work: A Meta‐Analysis," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 56(3), pages 500-528, May.
    2. Maria Laura Toraldo & Gazi Islam & Gianluigi Mangia, 2019. "Serving Time: Volunteer Work, Liminality and the Uses of Meaningfulness at Music Festivals," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 56(3), pages 617-654, May.
    3. Carrie R. Oelberger, 2019. "The Dark Side of Deeply Meaningful Work: Work‐Relationship Turmoil and the Moderating Role of Occupational Value Homophily," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 56(3), pages 558-588, May.
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