Meaning of Work for Managers in the Brazilian Contemporary Business Context

Abstract

Purpose: To examine how professionals in managerial positions in Brazil define the meaning of work and thereby initiate a reflection on organizational implications and consequences. Originality/value: This study addresses two research opportunities. It develops the thematic meaning of work beyond professional categories, emphasizing organizational and management positions and approaches in a complementary way, the research on managers that focuses primarily on personal development and execution of the organizational role. Design/methodology/approach: The research approach uses mixed methods-both qualitative and quantitative methods (interview, questionnaire, and focus group). Across all phases, 316 managers and executives participated in the research. Variables of the Meaning of Work (MOW) model supported the data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics and multivariate data analysis were used for data treatment. Findings: Although recognized as a pleasant, paid activity of high centrality in life, fulfilling intrinsic values (recognition, autonomy, learning opportunities), work has different interpretations based on where it is executed, whom it benefits, extrinsic values expectations, and ability to handle stress factors. Different from other international studies, this work has found possible relationships between the meaning of work and organizational culture. The meaning of the work of managers has organizational implications by impacting daily work, managerial styles, and the implementation of people management practices.

Modelo de gestión humana desde la responsabilidad social interna en medianas y grandes empresas de Ibagué

“…Throughout history, people have forged the remarkable institutions that society has today (Astudillo et al, 2017), including those of the State and, of course, all organizations and their various dimensions. Such social institutionalization has led to different mechanisms aimed at making employees more productive, ranging from extrinsic to intrinsic rewards (Mejía et al, 2013;Di Miceli, 2019;Bianchi, 2018). This formally appeared with the emergence of motivation models and empowerment postulates, and quality management theory, which among other things, proposed teamwork and people's participation in company decisionmaking.…”

“…to Bianchi (2018), the relationship between employees' adaptation and training and their organizations is mediated by shared intrinsic and extrinsic values at work. In the same perspective, Nientied and Toska's (2019), study on motivational factors and organizational commitment of knowledge workers in Albania concludes that "organizations need to pay attention to the relationship between motivation improvement and productivity improvement.…”

The meanings of work and masculinity: a study with military police officers

“…Regarding financial issues, when examining the meanings of work for Brazilians in management positions, the results of Bianchi (2018) point out that work is a means of obtaining financial resources, even when it is constituted as an activity that ensures satisfaction, a source of contact with other people and a way to be useful to society. Social utility is also pointed out in the studies of Morin (2001) and Irigaray et al (2017).…”

“…Studies on the meaning of work also show that it is related to efficiency and outcome (Morin, 2001;Bianchi, 2018;Irigaray et al, 2017;Rodrigues et al, 2017), social utility (Bianchi, 2018;Irigaray et al, 2017;Rodrigues et al, 2017) and intrinsic satisfaction (Bianchi, 2018;Rodrigues et al, 2017;D'Arisbo et al, 2018;Miorin et al, 2018;Primaria et al, 2015), as well as moral acceptance (Bianchi, 2018;D'Arisbo et al, 2018;Lopes, 2018;Morin, 2001;Rodrigues et al, 2017), occupation or routine (Morin, 2001), source of income (Bianchi, 2018;D'Arisbo et al, 2018;Morin, 2001;Rodrigues et al, 2017) and satisfying human relationships (Bianchi, 2018;Morin, 2001;Rodrigues et al, 2017).…”

As Escolhas de Trabalhadores na Maturidade no Contexto de um Programa de Demissão Voluntária

“…A centralidade pode ser interpretada como o grau de importância do trabalho para uma pessoa em determinado momento. Essa importância advém não apenas do tempo gasto com as atividades laborativas, mas dos ganhos financeiros e psicológicos advindos do trabalho (BIANCHI, 2018). Quanto mais importante for considerado o trabalho, mais central ele será para o indivíduo.…”