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Examining the Role of Dignity in the Experience of Meaningfulness: a Process-Relational View on Meaningful Work

Author

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  • Tuure Haarjärvi

    (University of Oulu)

  • Sari Laari-Salmela

    (University of Oulu)

Abstract

The objective of the present study is to examine the ethical grounding and process-relational nature of meaningful work through the relationship of dignity and meaningfulness. Adopting a practice lens, we show how a shift from methodological individualism to a process-relational worldview allows meaningful work to be understood through organizational activities rather than individual characteristics. Building on practice-based theorization, we present a process-relational model of meaningful work that 1) examines meaningfulness as a flow of experience in the stream of work activity events; 2) highlights how experiencing meaningfulness is embedded in social practices, distinguishing it as a social phenomenon that is defined by this embeddedness; 3) delineates situationality, historicity, and contextuality of meaningfulness; and 4) shows how meaningful work is grounded in the prioritization of dignity in the logic of practice. Accordingly, our model enables a more holistic understanding of how dignity functions as the ethical basis for the experience of meaningfulness in the context of work and organization.

Suggested Citation

  • Tuure Haarjärvi & Sari Laari-Salmela, 2022. "Examining the Role of Dignity in the Experience of Meaningfulness: a Process-Relational View on Meaningful Work," Humanistic Management Journal, Springer, vol. 7(3), pages 417-440, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:humman:v:7:y:2022:i:3:d:10.1007_s41463-022-00133-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s41463-022-00133-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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