Measuring Meaningful Work

TLDR

Many people seek meaningful work, yet research on it is fragmented with diverse concepts and assessment approaches. The study proposes a multidimensional model of meaningful work and discusses its benefits for scholars, counselors, and organizations. The authors developed a scale measuring the three dimensions and evaluated its reliability and construct validity with 370 university employees. The scale’s scores correlated as predicted with well‑being measures and explained unique variance in job satisfaction, absenteeism, and life satisfaction.

Abstract

Many people desire work that is meaningful. However, research in this area has attracted diverse ideas about meaningful work (MW), accompanied by an equally disparate collection of ways of assessing MW. To further advance study in this area, the authors propose a multidimensional model of work as a subjectively meaningful experience consisting of experiencing positive meaning in work, sensing that work is a key avenue for making meaning, and perceiving one’s work to benefit some greater good. The development of a scale to measure these dimensions is described, an initial appraisal of the reliability and construct validity of the instrument’s scores is reported using a sample of university employees ( N = 370) representing diverse occupations. MW scores correlated in predicted ways with work-related and general well-being indices, and accounted for unique variance beyond common predictors of job satisfaction, days reported absent from work, and life satisfaction. The authors discuss ways in which this conceptual model provides advantages to scholars, counselors, and organizations interested in fostering MW.