title: Self-Determination and Meaningful Work: Exploring Socioeconomic Constraints.
abstract: This study examined a model of meaningful work among a diverse sample of working adults. From the perspectives of Self-Determination Theory and the Psychology of Working Framework, we tested a structural model with social class and work volition predicting SDT motivation variables, which in turn predicted meaningful work. Partially supporting hypotheses, work volition was positively related to internal regulation and negatively related to amotivation, whereas social class was positively related to external regulation and amotivation. In turn, internal regulation was positively related to meaningful work, whereas external regulation and amotivation were negatively related to meaningful work. Indirect effects from work volition to meaningful work via internal regulation and amotivation were significant, and indirect effects from social class to meaningful work via external regulation and amotivation were significant. This study highlights the important relations between SDT motivation variables and meaningful work, especially the large positive relation between internal regulation and meaningful work. However, results also reveal that work volition and social class may play critical roles in predicting internal regulation, external regulation, and amotivation.
authors: Department of Educational Studies, Purdue University West Lafayette, IN, USA.
authors: Blake A
authors: BA
authors: Allan
authors: Department of Psychology, University of Florida Gainesville, FL, USA.
authors: Kelsey L
authors: KL
authors: Autin
authors: Department of Psychology, University of Florida Gainesville, FL, USA.
authors: Ryan D
authors: RD
authors: Duffy
keywords: meaningful work; psychology of working; self-determination theory; social class; work volition