When we think about our work life, we fundamentally want to be happy. Studies have shown that performance and job satisfaction (“happiness”) go hand in hand in making an organization successful. Associate Professor of Organizational Psychology at Yale University, Amy Wrzesniewski, discovered that people have one of three work orientations:

• Job Orientation: The worker is just there for a paycheck - a financial exchange with the organization.

• Career Orientation: The worker is more interested in power and prestige - getting ahead in the organization.

• Calling Orientation: The worker is fulfilled by the job at hand - making an impact.

People with a calling orientation will work harder and longer simply because their jobs are rewarding. An environment that fosters a calling orientation results in less group conflict, less absenteeism and more personal interest in how work is done.

Understanding work orientations can allow recruiters to learn what motivates their employees, and can allow them to create work environments that lead to increased performance. Read more>