How do I know I am valued?

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the phenomena of an employee “being valued” in the context of a manufacturing SME.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative study using rich data from in-depth interviews following a classical (Glaserian) grounded theory.

Findings

A three dimensional concept of authentic pride enablement, altruistically-orientated shared-purpose and servant leadership explained the reasons people felt valued.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations were that this study was in one context

Practical implications

The implications are that if organisations consider a servant leadership approach, enabling of authentic pride and fostering of altruistically-orientated shared-purpose, this may help employees feel valued.

Social implications

This has implications for how organisations can show their employees that they are valued.

Originality/value

“Being valued” is a concept/construct that is widely quoted as a driver for employee engagement and yet rarely unpacked.

Citation

Claxton, J. (2014), "How do I know I am valued?", Journal of Workplace Learning, Vol. 26 No. 3/4, pp. 188-201. https://doi.org/10.1108/JWL-02-2014-0013