Abstract:
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The aim of this thesis is to explore whether or not there is a link between motivation
and sensemaking, that is, whether a pattern can be discussed between the interviewees’
motivation profile and the way in which they create meaning. In order to investigate
the connection the thesis contains six interviews with managers.
Hein’s (2013) theory on archetypes and motivation profiles is employed to examine
this question. Hein categorises people according to archetypes. There are four archetypes,
each of which has its own motivation profile from which different factors motivate
in relation to work. Weick’s theory of sensemaking is also employed and offers
the possibility to examine important and meaningful elements in the making of sense.
Weick introduces the theory of seven properties that appear when we try to create
sense on the basis of what we see and hear (Hein 2013, Hammer & Høpner, 2014).
The thesis utilises the semi-structured interview method to identify the managers’
archetypes and sensemaking characteristics (Kvale & Brinkmann, 2014). This ultimately
leads to two different analyses, one of which uses Hein’s theory while the other
uses Weick’s theory. These theories are used to discuss the link between motivation
and sensemaking on individual levels as well as in relation to common patterns.
The thesis concludes that a link between the managers’ motivation and sensemaking
in work issue contexts exists and can be discussed. A pattern was found, which
showed a connection between the managers’ archetypes and who they tended to consult
regarding work-related issues. |