Why do we work?
If your first answer was
that we work for money.... you are not alone because this
is usually the first reply.
Of course we work for
money, but the value of work goes far beyond the dollar.
Not all of us toil the
same and not of us view the meaning behind work the same.
I-O Psychologists examine
work from four general viewpoints: economic, religious,
psychological, and philosophical.
The areas that
underpin work meaning are not always equal, but for this introduction, let's
look at them as four basic sections:
~~~~
Quick story:
I once heard a story
about a counselor who worked with a very wealthy lady from Orange County
California. The woman was personally miserable - and after physical
issues were ruled out, this counselor determined that she needed to hold a job
for six months.
She could not volunteer.
She could not work at one
of the places she owned.
She had to get a real job
and work under a real boss.
After six months, the lady
was a totally different women. I do not have all of the details and it was
shared quite a while ago, but the point expressed was that sometimes as humans
we have angst and unrest because maybe we are not challenged enough. Quite
possibly if we, as humans, are not under authority in a way that allows us to
be humbled and grow, we can get so full of ourselves to where we have complete
unrest.
~~~~~
Okay, so let's look at the
meaning behind work from the economic, religious, psychological, and
philosophical viewpoints.
Economic views of work
highlight that we work in order to attain financial resources and to enjoy a
life with material resources. Taylor's classic view (scientific management here), which argued that employees were
motivated solely by money and so he promoted
the idea of "a fair day's pay for a fair day's work."
This view offered some efficient ways to produce, but it was anemic as it
failed to account for the soul, or culture, within a job and ignored teamwork,
mental involvement, and an enjoyable work atmosphere. Employees do
offer an exchange of services for pay, but money also serves to diminish
dissatisfaction because without enough of it, people cannot provide for basic
needs.
Religious views of work
sometimes posit that people with too much unstructured time will stray and
wander in a way that fosters unhealthy impulses (too much idea time).
Some religious views suggest that work is a punishment from the Fall in
Genesis.
Religious views of meaningful
work also posit that God as Creator designed each person to work in a way that
allows them to feel fulfilled while using talents to serve and bless others -
and bring glory to God. Many religious folks refer to some jobs as a calling
that has been Divinely appointed for their lives.
The psychological view
behind the meaning of work suggests that work itself can help a person develop
their identity, personal accomplishment, and other personal satisfactions.
Needs can be met from working with customers and colleagues and the union
provided from work can fulfill. In addition, the structure and rhythm of a work
schedule (or other duties) can enhance a person's life. The many different
types of rewards that go beyond money are often targeted at meeting psychological
needs.
The philosophical view
behind the meaning of work interplays with the mission found in the religious
aims; however, a philosophical explanation of work suggests that workers derive
meaning from their jobs.... it is good for a human being to create and tackle
tasks - to use their mind and to provide for others.
I suggest that we work for
many reasons.
I also suggest that our
needs for and from work will change as we age, mature, and
experience different things in life.
Q: Why did Dr. Prior
share the the economic,
religious, psychological, and philosophical viewpoints of why people work?
A: I
shared the views because people need to learn that our
reasons for working change as we change.
The work motivation
application:
The more we understand
"why" we do what we do, the better we can stay in tune with what we
need from work and the better we can understand about what
motivates. Not all of us toil the same and not of us view the meaning
behind work the same.
~~~~
Aristotle
said, “we work to have leisure, on which happiness depends.”
The author
of Ecclesiastes declared that "there's nothing better for people to do than to enjoy their work
because that is their lot [in life]" (here).
What about
you? How do you view the reasons for work?
Have a great
day and thanks for reading.
