Date of Conferral

2021

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Management

Advisor

Kenneth Levitt

Abstract

The millennial generation is now most of the workforce population. This generation’s engagement behaviors, expectations, and mindsets differ from those of other generations, and directly impact organizational performance. Despite existing generalizations about Millennials, there is a gap in the literature relative to how this generation experiences meaning and engagement in the workplace. The overarching research question was developed to broaden the understanding of the work experiences across this cohort, and further inform solutions that affect Millennials’ meaning and engagement with their jobs. To address this transcendental phenomenological study’s research problem and purpose, qualitative data were collected from multiple sources of evidence including semistructured interviews, an engagement survey, and current literature. This study was framed using the concept of engagement and meaningful work across generational cohorts as defined by Khan, Hoole and Bonnema. The results of the data analysis revealed 6 themes that characterized meaningful work for Millennials: (a) making an impact, (b) displaying value for reward, (c) enjoying work/fun, (d) contentment with work team, (e) having a support system, and (f) physical/mental/creative exertion. The data analysis also revealed 12 themes that characterized Millennials’ engagement: (a) connection, (b) collaboration, (c) team focused, (d) direction, (e) tools, (f) limited distractions, (g) fun, (h) communication, (i) trust, (j) openness, (k) creativity, and (l) mentoring. Business leaders can use the results of this study to promote positive social change by developing policies and processes that improve Millennials’ engagement in meaningful work and enhance future business outcomes.

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