The making and evolution of individuals’ work meanings
Guide(s)
Kulkarni, Mukta
Department
Organizational Behavior and Human Resources Management
Area
Organizational Behavior and Human Resources Management
University
Indian Institute of Management Bangalore
Place
Bangalore
Publication Date
3-31-2025
Year Awarded
March 2025
Year Completed
March 2025
Year Registered
June 2016
Abstract
Understanding how individuals make meaning of their work remains a fertile area of study, despite the identification of various sources that provide such meaning. The process by which these sources translate into work meanings, and how these meanings evolve over time requires further exploration. Through a qualitative case study of employees in SELCO Foundation, a social venture focused on poverty alleviation through providing access to renewable energy, this research examines how individuals’ work meanings are made, and how these meanings evolve during their journey within an organization. I find that individuals make meaning of their work through a three-stage iterative process: deliberating existing work meanings, collaborating toward possible work meanings, and formulating new work meanings. This process is shaped by key episodes, including reality checks through field visits, organizational changes, guidance through leadership, and significant projects and programs undertaken. Over time, work meanings of individuals who stay with the organization tend to align with work meanings promoted by the organization, influenced by organizational actions and the individuals’ own lived experiences. The study emphasizes that the construction of work meanings is inherently collaborative, shaped by social and organizational contexts. It challenges static views of work meanings, highlighting their fluidity and the interplay between autonomy and organizational alignment in their evolution. The findings also offer insights into fostering resilience, innovation, and alignment in organizations.
Pagination
xii, 188p.
Copyright
Indian Institute of Management Bangalore
Document Type
Dissertation
DAC Chairperson
Kulkarni, Mukta
DAC Members
Ojha, Abhoy K; Jha, Srivardhini K
Type of Degree
Ph.D.
Recommended Citation
Bhat, Nitesh Dattatraya, "The making and evolution of individuals’ work meanings" (2025). Doctoral Dissertations. 89.
https://research.iimb.ac.in/doc_dissertations/89
Relation
DIS-IIMB-FPM-P25-04
