The changing meaning and meaningfulness of work through sensemaking

A systematic literature review

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14267/VEZTUD.2023.07-08.09

Keywords:

meaning of work, meaningful work, job crafting, sensemaking, systematic literature review

Abstract

The fourth industrial revolution, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the economic crisis are generating major changes in the way people work, subsequently affecting its meaning and meaningfulness. In this literature review, the authors examine how research conducted between 2000 and 2022 explored the impact of disruptive events on the meaning and meaningfulness of individuals’ work. Using a systematic literature review method, 18 empirical studies were analysed. The main characteristics of meaningfulness were identified, most of which were associated with positive concepts: positive value, impact, or feeling. Research has mainly examined the impact of negative events. The results suggest that both negative and positive feedback have an impact on the experience of meaningfulness at work, triggering a sensemaking process. The work environment and the manager play a crucial role in ensuring that negative or ambivalent feedback also leads to an increase in meaningfulness at work.

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Author Biographies

Klaudia Szőts-Kováts, Corvinus University of Budapest

assistant professor

Katalin Bácsi, Budapest Business School

college associate professor

Vanda Harmat, Corvinus University of Budapest

assistant lecturer

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Published

2023-07-20

How to Cite

Szőts-Kováts, K., Bácsi, K., & Harmat, V. (2023). The changing meaning and meaningfulness of work through sensemaking : A systematic literature review. Vezetéstudomány Budapest Management Review, 54(7-8), 121–132. https://doi.org/10.14267/VEZTUD.2023.07-08.09

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Studies and Articles

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