A1 Journal article (refereed)
Meaningfulness in the Work of Language Professionals (2022)

Virtaluoto, J., & Selkälä, S. (2022). Meaningfulness in the Work of Language Professionals. Nordic Journal of Working Life Studies, 12(4), 69-88. https://doi.org/10.18291/njwls.132333

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Virtaluoto, Jenni; Selkälä, Satu

Journal or series: Nordic Journal of Working Life Studies

eISSN: 2245-0157

Publication year: 2022

Publication date: 12/04/2022

Volume: 12

Issue number: 4

Pages range: 69-88

Publisher: Roskilde universitetsforlag

Publication country: Denmark

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18291/njwls.132333

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/80641

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the changes that a specific group of knowledge workers – language professionals in Finland – have undergone in their work and how they perceive the meaningfulness of their work as a result. The data presented in this article has been collected through group interviews and is part of a larger data set. To make sense of our data, we use thematic analysis and the framework of meaningful work presented by Rosso et al. For some of our research participants, the factors of meaningful work are present. For others, changes in work, such as platform work and outsourcing, have reduced autonomy and development possibilities. We conclude by discussing the implications of our findings.

Keywords: work; working life; work satisfaction; meaningfulness; knowledge work; change; languages; use of language; meaning (importance); innovations; productivity; identity (mental objects); autonomy (societal properties); independence (personal); culture; organisations (systems)

Free keywords: innovation; productivity; identity; meaning; culture; organization; management

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2022

JUFO rating: 1