IOP3703 Exam scope – NOV Notes, summaries, possible exam questions Success.

Notes, summaries, possible exam questions Chapter 1 – The meaning of work Self-actualisation Self-actualisation is a process of inner-directedness through which the individuals give expression to their intrinsic nature It involves the tendency to enrich oneself by psychological growth and by seeing meaning in being It is a human drive to discover oneself and fulfil one’s potential, emphasising the whole of human life In the event where self-concept is not in harmony with the requirements of the job, the work loses meaning to the individual It stops having an intrinsic value to the individual – you have to perform the job to earn money or get something from organisation In the event where self-concepts are in harmony with the job activities, the individuals find intrinsic meaning or internal satisfaction in their work and feel a sense of being whole Openness can be associated with work that can facilitate selfactualisation, i.e. intrinsic satisfaction (example: in the form of flexible organisational climate that provides autonomy, challenge, personal growth) Intrinsic aspects of work and self-actualisation in work are becoming increasing NB 1 | P a g e IOP3703 Exam scope – NOV 2014 Notes, summaries, possible exam questions Characteristic associated with Self-actualised people:-  Democratic orientation, autonomy, independence  Feeling of connectedness with others  Freshness of appreciation; feeling at ease with complexity and ambiguity  All these characteristics condensed to single quality – openness to experience Self-actualisation contributes to one’s sense of identity. Identity centres around questions such as:-  What do I want to make of myself?  What do I have to work with? It involves one’s self-concept and these self-concepts can find expression through Self-actualisation in work. Through work, people identify themselves to themselves and to others. They also see themselves as different from others. Self-concepts change over time as work structures change 2 | P a g e IOP3703 Exam scope – NOV 2014 Notes, summaries, possible exam questions Spirituality at work The search for spiritual wholeness within the context of the workplace, involves the search to discover one’s true self, a higher life purpose & meaning through one’s work activities & life roles Spirituality represents the quest to unite one’s inner and outer world, to provide meaning and purpose to one’s life (i.e. the community environment which provides constant connection to one’s coworkers) Workplace spirituality is the recognition that employees have an inner life that nourishes and is nourished by meaningful work that takes place in the context of community Spirituality is the feeling individuals have about the fundamental meaning of who they are, what they are doing and the contributions they are making Spiritual journey is process of focusing within, gaining awareness of higher self & finding meaning & purpose in work & life The community environment is viewed as a place in which people can experience personal growth by being involved in meaningful work that gives a purpose to their life where they feel valued for themselves as individuals and have a sense of working together with others for a common purpose