Meaningful Work and the Humane Organization

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Meaningful Work and the Humane Organization

• Neal Chalofsky
• The George Washington University

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Theoretical Basis for Meaningful Work
Maslow ? Self-actualizing ? Peak experiences
Rogers ? Fully functioning ? Authentic
Csikszentmilhalyi ? Flow
Bandura ? Self-efficacy
Fox ? Work as doing vs. being
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The Meaningful Work Construct
Sense of Self Integrated Wholeness
The Work Itself Sense of Balance
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Sense of Self

• Bringing ones whole self to the workplace
• Developing ones potential
• Knowing ones purpose for work and life
• A positive belief system

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The Work Itself

• Mastering ones performance
• Seeking challenge, creativity, learning and
  continuous growth
• Carrying out ones purpose through work
• Autonomy, empowerment, and a sense of control
  over ones environment

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Sense of Balance

• Work-self vs. personal self
• Family self vs. friendship-self
• Spiritual-self vs. work-self
• Individual self vs. supportive others
• Giving to oneself vs. giving to others

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Work-Life Evolution

• Frederick Taylor the humanist
• The group dynamics movement
• The third force
• The QWL movement
• Spirituality and meaning at work

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100 Best Cultural Elements

• Credibility
• Respect
• Fairness
• Pride
• Camaraderie

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Our Research

• The role of culture in the humane organization
• Interviewed Maryland Work-Life Alliance award
  winners
• Of the 54 winners, 17 were solicited for
  participation and 10 consented
• Sample represents varied industries

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Sample Organizations

• Mitre - engineering
• Booz Allen Hamilton management consulting
• Sandy Spring Bank regional bank
• Marriott International hospitality management
• NASD securities regulation
• NOAA national government agency
• SAS software development
• Discovery Communications entertainment media
• Choice Hotels - hospitality franchisor
• Calvert - mutual funds

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Theme 1Value Based Culture

• Belief in organization mission live the culture
• Integrity towards customers and employees
• Learning built into the culture
• Diversity isnt just a slogan

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Theme 2Employee Focus

• Employee most important asset
• Employee driven benefits
• Managers held accountable for work/life
  orientation
• Hands-on management
• Support for employee forums and community
  involvement
• Top management models values

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Theme 3Pride of Purpose

• Proud to be part of the mission
• Empowerment and integrity

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Theme 4Work, Play, and Community Involvement

• Work hard because work is meaningful
• Play hard because of sense of workplace community
• Social responsibility a given

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Conclusions

• Its not about the perks its about the culture
• The organization supports the whole person and
  the whole person is engaged in the organization
• The organization is truly a community