The Power of Purpose: How Organizations are Making Work More Meaningful

Abstract

Today, the lines between social issues and business are blurred. There is mounting pressure for companies to go beyond a basic standard of “doing well by doing good” to operating with an explicit purpose: to make positive contributions to society. At the same time, individuals are increasingly looking for meaning in their lives and, given the amount of time spent at work, it makes sense to look to the workplace as a source of meaning. Purpose in business is a growing trend that might actually shift our way of thinking about employee engagement. A dual-method was used to explore the definition of purpose in business, its characteristics or attributes, and the possible correlation between meaningfulness at work and corporate social responsibility. Variables associated with purpose were measured through quantitative research using a sample of corporate employees (N = 233). A qualitative, exploratory study of perceived definitions, attributes, and organizational structures related to purpose was captured through interviews (N = 12). The results of this study indicate organizations that are perceived as purpose-driven and particularly socially responsible impact employees’ sense of meaningfulness at work. Additionally, five themes arose in the exploration of the definition of purpose, one predominant theme being meaningful work and value creation, signifying that purpose-driven organizations that offer employees opportunities to make a difference have employees who are more engaged, affectively committed, and intrinsically motivated. Theoretical and practical implications related to purpose and meaning at work are discussed.