Callings

The concept of work as a calling has generated considerable interest among researchers, inspiring a number of new lines of research into this intriguing experience of work. This chapter describes the different approaches to defining what a calling is, where it comes from, and its effects for individuals and organizations. Rather than treating the variety of perspectives on callings as a liability, it considers the many opportunities for rich empirical work that it suggests. The chapter highlights promising areas for future inquiry while sparking new questions to help spur researchers to continue to deepen our understanding of the nature of callings.