A1 Journal article (refereed)
University as a workplace : searching for meaningful work (2020)
Riivari, E., Malin, V., Jääskelä, P., & Lukkari, T. (2020). University as a workplace : searching for meaningful work. Teaching in Higher Education, 25(3), 286-304. https://doi.org/10.1080/13562517.2018.1563061
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Riivari, Elina; Malin, Virpi; Jääskelä, Päivikki; Lukkari, Teija
Journal or series: Teaching in Higher Education
ISSN: 1356-2517
eISSN: 1470-1294
Publication year: 2020
Volume: 25
Issue number: 3
Pages range: 286-304
Publisher: Routledge
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13562517.2018.1563061
Publication open access: Not open
Publication channel open access:
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/68337
Abstract
Work in academia is changing, and research suggests that not all the changes are desirable. Higher education is developing in a direction heavily criticized, especially in relation to the concepts of neoliberal and academic capitalism. In this article, we explore meaningful work in a university context. Our focus lies on individual lecturers’ positive opportunities to make work meaningful and the university a better place to work for both students and faculty. We examine meaningful work as a relational phenomenon: how meaningfulness is constructed through features such as dialogue, expertise, interaction and sharing of ideas. Our empirical findings are based on analysis of qualitative and quantitative data collected in a business school management course deliberately developed to promote cooperation, interaction and shared learning as central tenets of meaningful work. Both faculty members’ and students’ perspectives on meaningful work are discussed.
Keywords: institutions of higher education; universities; employees; work content; work motivation; dialogicality; cooperation (general); dialogue
Free keywords: meaningful work; higher education; good organization; cooperation
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
VIRTA submission year: 2020
JUFO rating: 2
