A concept analysis of ‘Meaning in work’ and its implications for nursing

Abstract Aim To report an analysis of the concept of ‘meaning in work’. Background Associated with initiatives to improve the quality of working life and the emerging movement of positive organizations, ‘meaning in work’ has been studied as a positive individual‐level state. ‘Meaning in work’ has potential benefits that will improve the nursing workforce if this concept is embraced in nursing. However, the concept is not clearly defined because it has been approached from diverse theoretical perspectives and used interchangeably with analogous terms. Design A concept analysis. Data sources Three key terms (using ‘work’, ‘meaning’ or ‘meaningful’, ‘meaning of work’, ‘logotherapy’) were searched in the CINAHL , Psyc INFO , Business Source Complete and ABI / INFORM Global online databases from January 1940–March 2015. Among 346 articles retrieved, 28 studies were included for this concept analysis. Methods The procedure of concept analysis developed by Walker and Avant (2011) was used. Results Four critical attributes are identified: (1) experienced positive emotion at work; (2) meaning from work itself; (3) meaningful purpose and goals of work; and (4) work as a part of life that contributes towards meaningful existence. The identified antecedent of ‘meaning in work’ was a cognitive shift and the identified consequences were positive personal experience and positive impact on peers and organizations. Conclusion This article provides a clear definition of ‘meaning in work’. The resulting coherent definition will facilitate the use of ‘meaning in work’ in nursing research.