Enhancing meaningful work through meaning in life: Mediating effect of prosocial organizational and individual behaviors

Abstract

The main aim of this study is to investigate the effect of meaning in life (MIL) on meaningful work (MW) and to examine the mediating role of prosocial organizational behavior (POB) and prosocial individual behavior (PIB). Data were obtained from employees (600) working in different sectors in Düzce city center. A mediation model was designed and tested employing bootstrapping technique. The results showed that ML had significant effects on MW, POB, and PIB. The findings also demonstrated significant effects of POB and PIB on MW. Besides, the mediating roles of POB and PIB were confirmed. The current study highlights meaning in life, prosocial organizational and individual behaviors as key factors in understanding how employees' find their work meaningful. However, it should be noted that POB has a stronger mediating effect than PIB. In addition, this study suggests that managers focus on prosocial behaviors depending on the contribution to the search for meaning in life and work.