Calling

What is calling? This question continues to spark conceptual debate among scholars. This entry provides insights into the essence of this important conceptual debate. Also, it includes a brief critical reflection on the state of the calling field. In particular, this entry provides a summative reflection on research conducted on the topic so far, paying particular attention to discussing existing research on the antecedents and outcomes of calling. In conclusion, the entry proposes five themes – the notion of time in calling, calling theory development, calling in the “new” work contexts, cross-cultural understanding of calling, and boundary conditions of calling – as important future research avenues. Taking together, by presenting an up-to-date reflection on the concept of calling and the development of the calling field this entry aims to emphasize the value of calling for understanding questions in organizational behavior and work and organizational psychology.