Madden, Adrian ORCID: 0000-0002-3193-5808 and Bailey, Catherine (2019) Self-transcendence and meaningful work. In: Yeoman, Ruth, Bailey, Catherine, Madden, Adrian ORCID: 0000-0002-3193-5808 and Thompson, Marc, (eds.) The Oxford Handbook of Meaningful Work. Oxford Handbooks . Oxford University Press, UK. ISBN 978-0198788232 (doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780198788232.013.8)

PDF (Accepted Book Chapter) 20172 MADDEN_Self-Transcendence_and_Meaningful_Work_2019.pdf - Accepted Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (325kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

Self-transcendence is a concept often evoked in different approaches to meaningful work, but which lacks clarity. This chapter considers how the subjective experience of meaningful work, centering on significance and purpose, gives rise to the idea of meaningfulness as the realization of human potential, by connecting the inner and the outer life along spiritual and social dimensions. It points to a conceptualization of self-transcendence that places greater emphasis on the intersubjective nature of meaningfulness. This raises questions such as: if meaningfulness is self-transcendent, where and how is meaning created? If transcendence denotes “beyondness” of the here and now, what does this mean in terms of the nature of work tasks and roles? If self-transcendence is an ineffable, transitory state, what might this mean for research into meaningful work? A shift in the emphasis of future research is necessary if we are to understand the self-transcendent nature of experienced meaningfulness.

Item Type:	Book Section
Uncontrolled Keywords:	self-transcendence, spirituality, alienation, significant work, beyondness, callings, intersubjectivity
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Business Faculty of Business > Centre for Work and Employment Research (CREW) Faculty of Business > Department of Human Resources & Organisational Behaviour
Last Modified:	19 May 2020 14:12
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/20172

Actions (login required)

View Item

Downloads