| Creators: |
Jussli, Alexandra and Schwarz, Martin |
| Title: |
Why are you here? Personal Motives and other Antecedents for Experiencing Meaningful Work in New Venture Teams |
| Item Type: |
Conference or Workshop Item |
| Event Title: |
37th RENT Conference “Taming Uncertainty" |
| Event Location: |
Gdansk, Poland |
| Event Dates: |
November, 15-17, 2023 |
| Date: |
November 2023 |
| Divisions: |
Wirtschaftswissenschaften |
| Abstract (ENG): |
Objectives: Meaningful Work (MW) is vital in entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurial process. However, more about entrepreneurs’ antecedents and dispersion of MW need to be known. Our research aims to explore how entrepreneurship uniquely shapes and influences the individual
experience of MW. Additionally, we uncover MW antecedents and identify specific factors and conditions that lead entrepreneurs to perceive works as meaningfulness, focusing on the nuances that distinguish start-ups from traditional work environments.
Prior Work: While the importance of MW in start-ups is evident, with ties to job retention and entrepreneur performance, there is a research gap in its antecedents in the entrepreneurial context. Present studies note that these business starters often find their work more meaningful than others, mainly because they can shape their roles as they see fit. In the challenging start-up scene, where having a purpose in work helps keep spirits high during tough times, it’s crucial to
understand where this sense of meaningfulness comes from. This study seeks to understand these triggers. While the broader definition of MW remains debated among experts, for our purposes, MW is seen as a state where individuals derive positive meaning from their work, with a significant emphasis on its social aspects.
Approach: We present and theorize how certain groups of antecedents may coincide. We followed 28 entrepreneurs over three months. Our qualitative research is built upon a longitudinal multi-case study: We carried out diary studies, observations, and interviews with twenty-one entrepreneurs from ten start-ups. This comprehensive approach deepened our insight into the
derivation of MW in entrepreneurial contexts. We theorize how common groups of subjective interpretations can enrich our understanding of MW’s entrepreneurial processes and individual characteristics.
Results: We present multi-level antecedent factors for the long-lasting and urgent question of how MW and different kinds of entrepreneurs share antecedents for perceived meaningfulness in entrepreneurial work.
Implications and value: Generally, our results imply that considering the main aspirations of entrepreneurs is vital to understanding their requirements for experiencing MW. Our study emphasizes the pivotal role of entrepreneurs’ motivations and backgrounds in shaping their experiences of MW. Recognizing this is crucial to tailor support systems and environments conducive to entrepreneurial success and individual well-being. Our findings also underscore the
fluid and evolving nature of factors influencing MW in entrepreneurial contexts. This dynamic perspective offers valuable insights for theorists and practitioners aiming to foster MW in start-up ecosystems. |
| Forthcoming: |
No |
| Main areas or research: |
Business & Entrepreneurship |
| Language: |
English |
| Citation: |
Jussli, Alexandra and Schwarz, Martin
(2023)
Why are you here? Personal Motives and other Antecedents for Experiencing Meaningful Work in New Venture Teams.
In: 37th RENT Conference “Taming Uncertainty", November, 15-17, 2023, Gdansk, Poland.
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