IOP3703 SUMMARY
NOTES 2022/2023
, IOP3703 Exam scope – NOV 2021
Notes, summaries, possible exam questions
Chapter 1 – The meaning of work
Self-actualisation
Self-actualisation is a process of inner-directedness through which
the individuals give expression to their intrinsic nature
It involves the tendency to enrich oneself by psychological growth
and by seeing meaning in being
It is a human drive to discover oneself and fulfil one’s potential,
emphasising the whole of human life
In the event where self-concept is not in harmony with the
requirements of the job, the work loses meaning to the individual
It stops having an intrinsic value to the individual – you have to
perform the job to earn money or get something from organisation
In the event where self-concepts are in harmony with the job
activities, the individuals find intrinsic meaning or internal
satisfaction in their work and feel a sense of being whole
Openness can be associated with work that can facilitate self-
actualisation, i.e. intrinsic satisfaction (example: in the form of
flexible organisational climate that provides autonomy, challenge,
personal growth)
Intrinsic aspects of work and self-actualisation in work are becoming
increasing NB
1|Pag e
, IOP3703 Exam scope – NOV 2014
Notes, summaries, possible exam questions
Characteristic associated with Self-actualised people:-
Democratic orientation, autonomy, independence
Feeling of connectedness with others
Freshness of appreciation; feeling at ease with complexity and
ambiguity
All these characteristics condensed to single quality – openness
to experience
Self-actualisation contributes to one’s sense of identity. Identity
centres around questions such as:-
What do I want to make of myself?
What do I have to work with?
It involves one’s self-concept and these self-concepts can find
expression through Self-actualisation in work. Through work, people
identify themselves to themselves and to others. They also see
themselves as different from others.
Self-concepts change over time as work structures change
2|Pag e
, IOP3703 Exam scope – NOV 2014
Notes, summaries, possible exam questions
Spirituality at work
The search for spiritual wholeness within the context of the
workplace, involves the search to discover one’s true self, a higher life
purpose & meaning through one’s work activities & life roles
Spirituality represents the quest to unite one’s inner and outer world,
to provide meaning and purpose to one’s life (i.e. the community
environment which provides constant connection to one’s co-
workers)
Workplace spirituality is the recognition that employees have an
inner life that nourishes and is nourished by meaningful work that
takes place in the context of community
Spirituality is the feeling individuals have about the fundamental
meaning of who they are, what they are doing and the contributions
they are making
Spiritual journey is process of focusing within, gaining awareness of
higher self & finding meaning & purpose in work & life
The community environment is viewed as a place in which people
can experience personal growth by being involved in meaningful
work that gives a purpose to their life where they feel valued for
themselves as individuals and have a sense of working together with
others for a common purpose
3|Pag e
NOTES 2022/2023
, IOP3703 Exam scope – NOV 2021
Notes, summaries, possible exam questions
Chapter 1 – The meaning of work
Self-actualisation
Self-actualisation is a process of inner-directedness through which
the individuals give expression to their intrinsic nature
It involves the tendency to enrich oneself by psychological growth
and by seeing meaning in being
It is a human drive to discover oneself and fulfil one’s potential,
emphasising the whole of human life
In the event where self-concept is not in harmony with the
requirements of the job, the work loses meaning to the individual
It stops having an intrinsic value to the individual – you have to
perform the job to earn money or get something from organisation
In the event where self-concepts are in harmony with the job
activities, the individuals find intrinsic meaning or internal
satisfaction in their work and feel a sense of being whole
Openness can be associated with work that can facilitate self-
actualisation, i.e. intrinsic satisfaction (example: in the form of
flexible organisational climate that provides autonomy, challenge,
personal growth)
Intrinsic aspects of work and self-actualisation in work are becoming
increasing NB
1|Pag e
, IOP3703 Exam scope – NOV 2014
Notes, summaries, possible exam questions
Characteristic associated with Self-actualised people:-
Democratic orientation, autonomy, independence
Feeling of connectedness with others
Freshness of appreciation; feeling at ease with complexity and
ambiguity
All these characteristics condensed to single quality – openness
to experience
Self-actualisation contributes to one’s sense of identity. Identity
centres around questions such as:-
What do I want to make of myself?
What do I have to work with?
It involves one’s self-concept and these self-concepts can find
expression through Self-actualisation in work. Through work, people
identify themselves to themselves and to others. They also see
themselves as different from others.
Self-concepts change over time as work structures change
2|Pag e
, IOP3703 Exam scope – NOV 2014
Notes, summaries, possible exam questions
Spirituality at work
The search for spiritual wholeness within the context of the
workplace, involves the search to discover one’s true self, a higher life
purpose & meaning through one’s work activities & life roles
Spirituality represents the quest to unite one’s inner and outer world,
to provide meaning and purpose to one’s life (i.e. the community
environment which provides constant connection to one’s co-
workers)
Workplace spirituality is the recognition that employees have an
inner life that nourishes and is nourished by meaningful work that
takes place in the context of community
Spirituality is the feeling individuals have about the fundamental
meaning of who they are, what they are doing and the contributions
they are making
Spiritual journey is process of focusing within, gaining awareness of
higher self & finding meaning & purpose in work & life
The community environment is viewed as a place in which people
can experience personal growth by being involved in meaningful
work that gives a purpose to their life where they feel valued for
themselves as individuals and have a sense of working together with
others for a common purpose
3|Pag e
