The Map of Meaningful Work ─ A Practical Guide to Sustaining Our Humanity

This book introduces a "Map of Meaning" called the Holistic Development Model, which provides a clear, simple and profound framework of the dimensions and process of living and working meaningfully.The Map is based on over 15 years' research into the insights and practice of ordinary people. Incorporating the ideas of philosophers, psychologists and sociologists, this book describes how ordinary human beings wrestle with, and find answers to, questions such as, "What gives my life and work meaning?", "How can I balance inspiration and reality so as to maintain positive momentum?" and "How do we integrate meaningfulness into our workplaces?". Innate human knowledge is captured in a practical model that makes understanding and working with issues of meaning clear and accessible to everyone.

At an individual level this book helps people to define and stay in contact with what is most important to them as they grapple with the real problems of daily life and suggests how they can stay in charge of keeping the human search for meaning alive, especially in the face of the challenges that exist in organizational life. The authors recognize that in the current economic context a simple map of meaning is essential, precisely because organizational life has become so intensely directed towards a singular economic goal. They argue that it is vital that people have a simple and powerful way to reclaim the significance of meaning in their working lives.Updated with new chapter material and case studies, this second edition offers profound insights for anyone who is interested in creating more meaning and purpose in work and organizations - from a CEO to a blue-collar worker or consultant.

It is for those searching for ways to re-energize their roles or change their careers. It is for anyone who firmly believes that it must be possible to align our deeper life purposes with our daily actions in the workplace.

Marjolein Lips-Wiersma is Professor of Ethics and Sustainability Leadership at the Auckland Institute of Technology, New Zealand. She has been a board director, chair of the Management, Spirituality and Religion group of the Academy of Management, and regularly works with individuals, groups and organisations to create meaningful work practices.

Lani Morris has over 30 years’ experience of working as an independent organisational behaviour practitioner with organisations and individuals in New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom and as a visiting lecturer at a number of universities and tertiary institutions. She has a BA in the humanities, and an MSc in Responsibility and Business Practice from the University of Bath.