The meaning of work for five Generation Y employees: a hermeneutic phenomenological study
Date
2014
Authors
Coates, Tabitha K. L., author
Lynham, Susan A., advisor
Glick, Scott, committee member
Jennings, Louise, committee member
Wallner, Barbara, committee member
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Abstract
Research on Generation Y is inconsistent and incongruent, making it difficult to understand the organizational impact of this cohort in the workforce. This exploratory study sought to provide an in-depth examination of Generation Y to understand some work related patterns and meaning among the cohort at a deeper, more intrinsic level than prior studies. The purpose of the study was to explore and understand how five Generation Y employees perceived and described their notion of the meaning of work, based on their lived experience of the phenomenon. To understand and analyze the constructed meaning of the meaning of work, this study was grounded in the interpretive paradigm. The methodology used was that of hermeneutic phenomenology. The findings from this study are representative of the individual, shared, and co-constructions of ten essential themes including: the meaning of work is influenced by education; the meaning of work is the opportunity to do work that is meaningful; the meaning of work is balance; the meaning of work is completing tasks and being compensated to meet our basic needs; the meaning of work is the importance of social relationships; the meaning of work is considering and exploring all opportunities; the meaning of work is influenced by our social networks; the meaning of work is a reflection of who we are; and the meaning of work is working for an organization that functions well; and the meaning of work is influenced by the current state of the economy. The essential themes are presented using thick descriptive quotes from the participants and supporting literature. In addition, the ten essential themes were composed of essential sub-themes and essential sub-sub-themes that provided additional layers of depth in understanding the phenomenon for the five participants. This study provided a voice for the Generation Y participants, allowing researchers and practitioners to begin to build knowledge about the relationship between this generational cohort and the evolving nature of work. Recommendations are provided for using the findings to inform research, theory, and practice. First, suggestions are made for research regarding accumulating knowledge from diverse prospective, sampling, narrowly defining constructs, and improving methodology. Second, recommendations are provided for future theorizing and theory building. Last, I discuss how the findings of this study will inform practice related to the meaning of work phenomenon at the organizational, individual, and generational levels.
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Subject
Millennials
meaning of work
phenomenology
hermeneutic phenomenology
Generation Y