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The Call of the Wild: The Call of the Wild: Work as a Calling and the Work as a Calling and the Captivity of Zookeepers Captivity of Zookeepers J. Stuart Bunderson J. Stuart Bunderson Washington University in St. Louis Washington University in St. Louis Jeffrey R. Thompson Jeffrey R. Thompson Brigham Young University Brigham Young University
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The Call of the Wild:The Call of the Wild:Work as a Calling and the Work as a Calling and the Captivity of ZookeepersCaptivity of Zookeepers

J. Stuart BundersonJ. Stuart BundersonWashington University in St. LouisWashington University in St. Louis

Jeffrey R. ThompsonJeffrey R. ThompsonBrigham Young UniversityBrigham Young University

A Little Background: Ideology A Little Background: Ideology in the Employment Contractin the Employment Contract

““[People] will work hard for money; [People] will work hard for money; they will work harder for other they will work harder for other [people]. But [people] will work [people]. But [people] will work hardest of all when they are hardest of all when they are dedicated to a cause.” dedicated to a cause.”

- Harry Emerson Fosdick- Harry Emerson Fosdick

(author, teacher, religious leader)(author, teacher, religious leader)

A Little Background: Ideology A Little Background: Ideology in the Employment Contractin the Employment Contract

““[People] will work hard for money; [People] will work hard for money; they will work harder for other they will work harder for other [people]. But [people] will work [people]. But [people] will work hardest of all when they are hardest of all when they are dedicated to a cause.” dedicated to a cause.”

- Harry Emerson Fosdick- Harry Emerson Fosdick

(author, teacher, religious leader)(author, teacher, religious leader)

EconomicIncentives

(pay, benefits)

EconomicIncentives

(pay, benefits)

A Little Background: Ideology A Little Background: Ideology in the Employment Contractin the Employment Contract

““[People] will work hard for money; [People] will work hard for money; they will work harder for other they will work harder for other [people]. But [people] will work [people]. But [people] will work hardest of all when they are hardest of all when they are dedicated to a cause.” dedicated to a cause.”

- Harry Emerson Fosdick- Harry Emerson Fosdick

(author, teacher, religious leader)(author, teacher, religious leader)

Socio-EmotionalIncentives

(esteem, recognition,status, friendship)

Socio-EmotionalIncentives

(esteem, recognition,status, friendship)

EconomicIncentives

(pay, benefits)

EconomicIncentives

(pay, benefits)

A Little Background: Ideology A Little Background: Ideology in the Employment Contractin the Employment Contract

““[People] will work hard for money; [People] will work hard for money; they will work harder for other they will work harder for other [people]. But [people] will work [people]. But [people] will work hardest of all when they are hardest of all when they are dedicated to a cause.” dedicated to a cause.”

- Harry Emerson Fosdick- Harry Emerson Fosdick

(author, teacher, religious leader)(author, teacher, religious leader)IdeologicalIncentives

(conviction, purpose,mission, values)

IdeologicalIncentives

(conviction, purpose,mission, values)

EconomicIncentives

(pay, benefits)

EconomicIncentives

(pay, benefits)

Socio-EmotionalIncentives

(esteem, recognition,status, friendship)

Socio-EmotionalIncentives

(esteem, recognition,status, friendship)

Developing this Basic Developing this Basic PremisePremise

Thompson & Bunderson Thompson & Bunderson (2003, AMR)(2003, AMR)

Explores ideology as a “third currency” in the Explores ideology as a “third currency” in the psychological contractpsychological contract

Considers the implications of ideological Considers the implications of ideological currency for the experience of currency for the experience of breach/violation.breach/violation.

We then set out to find a sample where We then set out to find a sample where we could test these hunches, where we could test these hunches, where ideological incentives (and not others) ideological incentives (and not others) were paramount …were paramount …

So We Went to the ZooSo We Went to the Zoo Zookeeping lacks strong economic incentives:Zookeeping lacks strong economic incentives:

Average income is under $25,000 per yearAverage income is under $25,000 per year About 63% rely on another source of income (e.g., About 63% rely on another source of income (e.g.,

second job, family)second job, family)

So We Went to the ZooSo We Went to the Zoo

Zookeeping lacks key socio-emotional Zookeeping lacks key socio-emotional incentives (e.g., status, opportunities for incentives (e.g., status, opportunities for advancement, etc.):advancement, etc.): You don’t really “move up” as a zookeeperYou don’t really “move up” as a zookeeper Kookeeping is “dirty work” Kookeeping is “dirty work” (Ashforth & Kreiner, (Ashforth & Kreiner,

1999)1999) ““[A] nun came by with a school group and the nun [A] nun came by with a school group and the nun

said, ‘See the kind of job that you get when you don't said, ‘See the kind of job that you get when you don't finish your education!’ This was within ear shot …”finish your education!’ This was within ear shot …”

NoteNote: About : About 73%73% of ofzookeepers have azookeepers have aBS or higher! BS or higher!

And Yet, Zookeepers AreAnd Yet, Zookeepers AreHighlyHighly Committed Committed

Most zoos have more keeper Most zoos have more keeper applicants than they can hire & applicants than they can hire & turnover is lowturnover is low

Many keepers volunteer for months Many keepers volunteer for months or years before getting hired.or years before getting hired.• “ “There's not much that they There's not much that they

could do to get me to quit.”could do to get me to quit.”• “ “I can't think what would I can't think what would cause me to leave.”cause me to leave.”• “ “I don't think there's anything I don't think there's anything that they could do to me that that they could do to me that would make me leave.”would make me leave.”

• “ “There's not much that they There's not much that they could do to get me to quit.”could do to get me to quit.”• “ “I can't think what would I can't think what would cause me to leave.”cause me to leave.”• “ “I don't think there's anything I don't think there's anything that they could do to me that that they could do to me that would make me leave.”would make me leave.”

“You know, Ned, you’re my best friend, and I just gotta tell someone. It’s time I come out of this closet and stop living this lie…I hate animals.”

InterviewsInterviews

We started by conducting in-depth We started by conducting in-depth interviews with 23 keepers at a leading interviews with 23 keepers at a leading public zoo in the Midwest.public zoo in the Midwest.

Questions focused on:Questions focused on: Why zookeeping and how they got thereWhy zookeeping and how they got there Thoughts and feelings about their work & the Thoughts and feelings about their work & the

zoozoo Interactions with others at the zooInteractions with others at the zoo

Interviews were tape recorded, Interviews were tape recorded, transcribed, and coded using an emergent transcribed, and coded using an emergent coding scheme.coding scheme.

Work as Calling Emerged as Work as Calling Emerged as KeyKey

Comments suggesting a view of work as a Comments suggesting a view of work as a calling emerged as the most frequent calling emerged as the most frequent theme (21 of 23 interviews).theme (21 of 23 interviews). ““I knew this is what I was meant to do”I knew this is what I was meant to do” ““It's kind of like my calling I think”It's kind of like my calling I think” ““It's a calling for me”It's a calling for me” ““I've found my little niche”I've found my little niche”

It became clear that we needed to It became clear that we needed to understand the concept of calling and how understand the concept of calling and how it was informing the way these keepers it was informing the way these keepers thought about their work.thought about their work.

Classical Conceptions ofClassical Conceptions ofWork as a CallingWork as a Calling

In Greek and Medieval thinking, work was a In Greek and Medieval thinking, work was a necessary evil which kept humankind from necessary evil which kept humankind from the more noble pursuits of the mind the more noble pursuits of the mind (philosophy) or spirit (religion).(philosophy) or spirit (religion).

Protestant Reformation (Luther & Calvin)Protestant Reformation (Luther & Calvin) Work is a Work is a vocationvocation, a station in life through which , a station in life through which

one serves God and humankindone serves God and humankind One is obligated to faithfully execute duties within One is obligated to faithfully execute duties within

that vocation (cobbler & monk are both called)that vocation (cobbler & monk are both called) ““As there is a distinction of several creatures, As there is a distinction of several creatures,

so among men there are several inclinations so among men there are several inclinations and several abilities, as donations from God, and several abilities, as donations from God, for the common advantage of human society” for the common advantage of human society” (Puritan Theologian Stephan Charnock, 1680)(Puritan Theologian Stephan Charnock, 1680). .

Contemporary Conceptions Contemporary Conceptions ofof

Work as a CallingWork as a Calling Weber argued that a secular version of the Weber argued that a secular version of the

calling notion became “bound to the calling notion became “bound to the technical and economic conditions of technical and economic conditions of machine production” and “provided an machine production” and “provided an ethical justification of the modern ethical justification of the modern specialized division of labour” specialized division of labour” (Weber, 1930)(Weber, 1930)..

Modern view of calling: work is an Modern view of calling: work is an application of one’s particular talents for the application of one’s particular talents for the greater goodgreater good Bellah, et al. (1985: 66): “A calling links a person Bellah, et al. (1985: 66): “A calling links a person

to the larger community, a whole in which the to the larger community, a whole in which the calling of each is a contribution to the good of all”calling of each is a contribution to the good of all”

Contemporary Conceptions Contemporary Conceptions ofof

Work as a CallingWork as a Calling Weber argued that a secular version of the Weber argued that a secular version of the

calling notion became “bound to the calling notion became “bound to the technical and economic conditions of technical and economic conditions of machine production” and “provided an machine production” and “provided an ethical justification of the modern ethical justification of the modern specialized division of labour” specialized division of labour” (Weber, 1930)(Weber, 1930)..

Modern view of calling: work is an Modern view of calling: work is an application of one’s particular talents for the application of one’s particular talents for the greater goodgreater good Bellah, et al. (1985: 66): “A calling links a person Bellah, et al. (1985: 66): “A calling links a person

to the larger community, a whole in which the to the larger community, a whole in which the calling of each is a contribution to the good of all”calling of each is a contribution to the good of all”

How werecallings experienced bythese keepers and how

did callings matter?

How werecallings experienced bythese keepers and how

did callings matter?

The Experience of Calling at The Experience of Calling at the Zoo:the Zoo:

“Some People Are Just Wired “Some People Are Just Wired this Way”this Way” ““It's a part of who I am and I don't know if I It's a part of who I am and I don't know if I

can explain that. When you use that can explain that. When you use that expression ‘it's in your blood’, like football expression ‘it's in your blood’, like football coaches and players can never retire because coaches and players can never retire because it's in their blood. Whatever my genetic it's in their blood. Whatever my genetic makeup is I'm geared towards animals.”makeup is I'm geared towards animals.”

““[Zookeepers] relate better to animals than [Zookeepers] relate better to animals than they do to people. But then sometimes I think they do to people. But then sometimes I think you're just born an animal person.”you're just born an animal person.”

““It's funny … some people you can tell they It's funny … some people you can tell they could care less. They just aren't animal could care less. They just aren't animal people.”people.”

The Experience of Calling at The Experience of Calling at the Zoo:the Zoo:

“I’ve Always Been Wired This “I’ve Always Been Wired This Way”Way” ““It's a calling for me just because my whole It's a calling for me just because my whole

life I've just been interested in animals. So life I've just been interested in animals. So looking back I should have known at some looking back I should have known at some time I would be working with animals …”time I would be working with animals …”

““I was always interested in animals ever since I was always interested in animals ever since I was a kid. I drove my mom nuts catching I was a kid. I drove my mom nuts catching bugs, and worms, and frogs, and salamanders, bugs, and worms, and frogs, and salamanders, bringing home anything I could find … bringing home anything I could find … butterflies, stuff like that.”butterflies, stuff like that.”

““I always did like animals and was known in I always did like animals and was known in the neighborhood as the guy who always had the neighborhood as the guy who always had animals.”animals.”

““I’ve always loved animals” (7 interviews), I’ve always loved animals” (7 interviews), “I’ve always wanted to work with animals” (7 “I’ve always wanted to work with animals” (7 interviews)interviews)

The Experience of Calling at The Experience of Calling at the Zoo:the Zoo:

“This is How I Make the World “This is How I Make the World Better”Better” ““My little way of preserving what we have My little way of preserving what we have

left is taking care of these animals. I'm not left is taking care of these animals. I'm not one of those people to go out in the jungle one of those people to go out in the jungle and tell people don't do this, this is bad, and tell people don't do this, this is bad, that's not me. … This is my life.”that's not me. … This is my life.”

““Most people think, ‘oh you should just turn Most people think, ‘oh you should just turn these animals loose in the wild’...Well, hey, these animals loose in the wild’...Well, hey, there is no wild for a lot of these animals – there is no wild for a lot of these animals – none whatsoever. The habitat is gone. … none whatsoever. The habitat is gone. … [We’ve] got to do something and if captive [We’ve] got to do something and if captive breeding is the one thing I can do to stop breeding is the one thing I can do to stop extinction then I'm fine with that.”extinction then I'm fine with that.”

The Experience of Calling at The Experience of Calling at the Zoo:the Zoo:

Underlying AssumptionsUnderlying Assumptions“I am hard-wired in a particular way (e.g., passions, endowments) which predisposes me for a particular occupational niche”

“I am hard-wired in a particular way (e.g., passions, endowments) which predisposes me for a particular occupational niche”

The Experience of Calling at The Experience of Calling at the Zoo:the Zoo:

Underlying AssumptionsUnderlying Assumptions

Implication #1: A calling is enacted Implication #1: A calling is enacted against the backdrop of the societal against the backdrop of the societal division of labor – it locates the division of labor – it locates the individual within society and links individual within society and links the person to some societal purpose.the person to some societal purpose.

“I am hard-wired in a particular way (e.g., passions, endowments) which predisposes me for a particular occupational niche”

“I am hard-wired in a particular way (e.g., passions, endowments) which predisposes me for a particular occupational niche”

The Experience of Calling at The Experience of Calling at the Zoo:the Zoo:

Underlying AssumptionsUnderlying Assumptions

Implication #2: Individuals have a duty to find Implication #2: Individuals have a duty to find that place and to serve the greater good within that place and to serve the greater good within that place.that place. ““[A]mong the most incontestable of moral rules is [A]mong the most incontestable of moral rules is

that which … orders us to specialize” since that which … orders us to specialize” since specialization “is essential to social cohesion” (Jones, specialization “is essential to social cohesion” (Jones, 1986; interpreting Durkheim, 1893).1986; interpreting Durkheim, 1893).

Calvin (1574): “For as God bestows any ability or gift Calvin (1574): “For as God bestows any ability or gift upon any of us, he binds us to such as have need of upon any of us, he binds us to such as have need of us and as we are able to help”.us and as we are able to help”.

“I am hard-wired in a particular way (e.g., passions, endowments) which predisposes me for a particular occupational niche”

“I am hard-wired in a particular way (e.g., passions, endowments) which predisposes me for a particular occupational niche”

The Experience of Calling at The Experience of Calling at the Zoo:the Zoo:

“This Was Meant to Be”“This Was Meant to Be” ““I was here two days and I knew this is what I was I was here two days and I knew this is what I was

meant to do. There's people that have volunteered here meant to do. There's people that have volunteered here for years and they don't get a job and I worked here a for years and they don't get a job and I worked here a month and a half. So it's kind of like my calling I think.”month and a half. So it's kind of like my calling I think.”

““I’ve always read a lot about all different kinds of things I’ve always read a lot about all different kinds of things and it kind of led me here. It was magical in a way …”and it kind of led me here. It was magical in a way …”

““So things kind of worked out the way they should. … I So things kind of worked out the way they should. … I kind of fell into this. Things just worked out real well.”kind of fell into this. Things just worked out real well.”

““I just fell into the right places. … I mean that part I just fell into the right places. … I mean that part time job I got when I first came here I had nothing to do time job I got when I first came here I had nothing to do with it.”with it.”

““Three months before I graduated I was offered a full Three months before I graduated I was offered a full time job in [my] department. I understand that's the time job in [my] department. I understand that's the only time that department has ever been offered in that only time that department has ever been offered in that way.”way.”

The Experience of Calling at The Experience of Calling at the Zoo:the Zoo:

Underlying AssumptionsUnderlying Assumptions

Implication #1: Callings are largely outside Implication #1: Callings are largely outside the realm of individual agency (given personal the realm of individual agency (given personal wiring, winds of fate).wiring, winds of fate).

Implication #2: To do anything but faithfully Implication #2: To do anything but faithfully embrace one’s calling is to be untrue to both embrace one’s calling is to be untrue to both yourself and society.yourself and society. If my personal wiring, the winds of fate, and the If my personal wiring, the winds of fate, and the

requirements of society have led me here, who am requirements of society have led me here, who am I to oppose it?!I to oppose it?!

“The winds of fate (destiny, divine intervention) conspired to lead me to this particular occupation”

“The winds of fate (destiny, divine intervention) conspired to lead me to this particular occupation”

The Experience of Work as The Experience of Work as a Callinga Calling

To feel called is to feel that one is “meant” to To feel called is to feel that one is “meant” to work in a particular occupational niche work in a particular occupational niche because of passions, endowments, and/or life because of passions, endowments, and/or life historyhistory Involves a sense of Involves a sense of personalpersonal and and moralmoral imperative imperative

This is different from related concepts like This is different from related concepts like occupational identification.occupational identification. Duty (push) vs. affinity (pull)Duty (push) vs. affinity (pull) Need for personal meaning vs. need for Need for personal meaning vs. need for

esteem/belongingesteem/belonging Moral beings vs. social beingsMoral beings vs. social beings

What consequences does this have for work-What consequences does this have for work-related attitudes and behaviors?related attitudes and behaviors?

A Calling & Work Outcomes: A Calling & Work Outcomes: Toward a Research ModelToward a Research Model

Work asCalling

Work as aMoral Duty

WorkSacrifices

JobSatisfaction

WorkRigidity

A Calling andA Calling andWork as a Moral DutyWork as a Moral Duty

Work asCalling

Work as aMoral Duty

• My duty (H1)• Moral superiority (H2)• Org’s duty (H3)

“These animals have basically given up their freedom [in order] to educate people… So we have the responsibility to provide the best care for them. So that kind of is my motivation.”

“These animals have basically given up their freedom [in order] to educate people… So we have the responsibility to provide the best care for them. So that kind of is my motivation.”

“I know when I'm there I do the best job I can to take care of [my animals] and I can't necessarily say the same for somebody else.”

“I know when I'm there I do the best job I can to take care of [my animals] and I can't necessarily say the same for somebody else.”

A Calling andA Calling andWork SacrificesWork Sacrifices

Work asCalling

Work as aMoral Duty

WorkSacrifices

• Non-work time (H4)• Effort (H5)• Money (H6)

• My duty (H1)• Moral superiority (H2)• Org’s duty (H3)

“I also owe something more for the animal's sake: To be willing to come in here in the middle of the night if something is going on and be willing to skip a break or two and be willing to not call in sick as much as somebody might at some other job.”

“I also owe something more for the animal's sake: To be willing to come in here in the middle of the night if something is going on and be willing to skip a break or two and be willing to not call in sick as much as somebody might at some other job.” “We don't get paid very well here… But I guess that's the pay off for doing what you love.”

“We don't get paid very well here… But I guess that's the pay off for doing what you love.”

A Calling andA Calling andWork FlexibilityWork Flexibility

Work asCalling

Work as aMoral Duty

WorkSacrifices

• Non-work time (H4)• Effort (H5)• Money (H6)

WorkRigidity

• Occupational (H7)• Job (H8)• Work compromises (H9)

• My duty (H1)• Moral superiority (H2)• Org’s duty (H3)

“One of the most rewarding things for me [is] the fact that I can touch the animals and interact with them on a daily basis and I can see what I'm doing is how it makes a difference to them in their lives… It's the most important thing. I don't think I could be happy pushing papers in an administrative position.”

“One of the most rewarding things for me [is] the fact that I can touch the animals and interact with them on a daily basis and I can see what I'm doing is how it makes a difference to them in their lives… It's the most important thing. I don't think I could be happy pushing papers in an administrative position.”

A Calling andA Calling andMeaningful, Satisfying Meaningful, Satisfying

WorkWork

Work asCalling

Work as aMoral Duty

WorkSacrifices

JobSatisfaction

• Non-work time (H4)• Effort (H5)• Money (H6)

WorkRigidity

• Occupational (H7)• Job (H8)• Work compromises (H9)

MeaningfulWork

H11

• My duty (H1)• Moral superiority (H2)• Org’s duty (H3)

Testing these Testing these HypothesesHypotheses

Joined forces with the Joined forces with the American Association of American Association of Zoo KeepersZoo Keepers (AAZK) (AAZK)

Conducted a pilot study with 200 AAZK Conducted a pilot study with 200 AAZK members to validate our survey (105 members to validate our survey (105 responded, 52.5%)responded, 52.5%)

Sampled all remaining AAZK members and Sampled all remaining AAZK members and solicited participation from directors of solicited participation from directors of American Zoological AssociationAmerican Zoological Association (AZA)- (AZA)-accredited zoos.accredited zoos. Overall director response = 70 zoos (45.2% Overall director response = 70 zoos (45.2%

participation)participation) Overall keeper response = 1201 keepers (41.6%)Overall keeper response = 1201 keepers (41.6%)

Testing these Testing these HypothesesHypotheses

Sample characteristics (n = 1201)Sample characteristics (n = 1201) 72% female72% female 92% caucasian92% caucasian 10.8 yrs. in the profession, 7.4 yrs. at 10.8 yrs. in the profession, 7.4 yrs. at

current zoocurrent zoo 72.1% had bachelor’s degree or higher72.1% had bachelor’s degree or higher 33.1% union members33.1% union members Represent 230 different zoosRepresent 230 different zoos

• My duty (H1)• Moral superiority (H2)• Org’s duty (H3)

Some MeasuresSome Measures

Work asCalling

Work as aMoral Duty

WorkSacrifices

JobSatisfaction

• Non-work time (H4)• Effort (H5)• Money (H6)

WorkRigidity

• Occupational (H7)• Job (H8)• Work compromises (H9)

MeaningfulWork

H11

Work as a Calling (6 items):“I was meant to work with animals”“Working with animals feels like my calling in life”“It sometimes feels like I was destined to work with animals”“I am definitely an animal person”“My passion for animals goes back to my childhood”“Working with animals feels like my niche in life” * Cronbach’s Alpha = .92

Work as a Calling (6 items):“I was meant to work with animals”“Working with animals feels like my calling in life”“It sometimes feels like I was destined to work with animals”“I am definitely an animal person”“My passion for animals goes back to my childhood”“Working with animals feels like my niche in life” * Cronbach’s Alpha = .92

Some MeasuresSome Measures

Work asCalling

Work as aMoral Duty

WorkSacrifices

JobSatisfaction

• Non-work time (H4)• Effort (H5)• Money (H6)

WorkRigidity

• Occupational (H7)• Job (H8)• Work compromises (H9)

MeaningfulWork

H11

Moral Obligation (4 items):“I have a moral obligation to give my animals the

best possible care”“I consider it my sacred duty to do all I can for my

animals”* Cronbach’s alpha = .88 (ind), .88 (org.)Note: This was adapted for the organization as the

target.

Moral Obligation (4 items):“I have a moral obligation to give my animals the

best possible care”“I consider it my sacred duty to do all I can for my

animals”* Cronbach’s alpha = .88 (ind), .88 (org.)Note: This was adapted for the organization as the

target.

Moral Superiority (4 items):“I get frustrated sometimes because some keepers act like

this is just a job”“Some other keepers here aren’t as committed to their

animals as they should be”* Cronbach’s alpha = .80

Moral Superiority (4 items):“I get frustrated sometimes because some keepers act like

this is just a job”“Some other keepers here aren’t as committed to their

animals as they should be”* Cronbach’s alpha = .80

• My duty (H1)• Moral superiority (H2)• Org’s duty (H3)

Some MeasuresSome Measures

Work asCalling

Work as aMoral Duty

WorkSacrifices

JobSatisfaction

• Non-work time (H4)• Effort (H5)• Money (H6)

WorkRigidity

• Occupational (H7)• Job (H8)• Work compromises (H9)

MeaningfulWork

H11

Non-Work Time: self-ratingsEffort: Director ratingsMoney: 1. How much of your prize (if you win) will you donate to an animal cause? 2. Self-reported income

Non-Work Time: self-ratingsEffort: Director ratingsMoney: 1. How much of your prize (if you win) will you donate to an animal cause? 2. Self-reported income

• My duty (H1)• Moral superiority (H2)• Org’s duty (H3)

Some MeasuresSome Measures

Work asCalling

Work as aMoral Duty

WorkSacrifices

JobSatisfaction

• Non-work time (H4)• Effort (H5)• Money (H6)

• My duty (H1)• Moral superiority (H2)• Org’s duty (H3)

WorkRigidity

• Occupational (H7)• Job (H8)• Work compromises (H9)

MeaningfulWork

H11

Occupational: Thoughts of quitting occupationJob: Willingness to switch to non-keeper jobWork Compromises (3 items): - “Species preservation goals justify moving animals between facilities even if they suffer hardship”

Occupational: Thoughts of quitting occupationJob: Willingness to switch to non-keeper jobWork Compromises (3 items): - “Species preservation goals justify moving animals between facilities even if they suffer hardship”

Control VariablesControl Variables

Work asCalling

Work as aMoral Duty

WorkSacrifices

JobSatisfaction

• Non-work time (H4)• Effort (H5)• Money (H6)

• My duty (H1)• Moral superiority (H2)• Org’s duty (H3)

WorkRigidity

• Occupational (H7)• Job (H8)• Work compromises (H9)

MeaningfulWork

H11

AgeGenderYrs. experienceEducationUnion memberAssociation memberSupervisorJob orientationCareer orientationOccupational identification

ResultsResults

Work asCalling

Work as aMoral Duty

WorkSacrifices

JobSatisfaction

• Non-work time (H4)*

• Effort (H5)• Money (H6)*

• My duty (H1)*

• Moral superiority (H2)*

• Org’s duty (H3)*

WorkRigidity

• Occupational (H7)*

• Job (H8)*

• Work compromise(H9)*

MeaningfulWork

H11*

AgeGenderYrs. experienceEducationUnion memberAssociation memberSupervisorJob orientationCareer orientationOccupational identification

ResultsResults

Work asCalling

Work as aMoral Duty

WorkSacrifices

JobSatisfaction

• Non-work time (H4)*

• Effort (H5)• Money (H6)

• My duty (H1)*

• Moral superiority (H2)• Org’s duty (H3)*

WorkRigidity

• Occupational (H7)*

• Job (H8)• Work compromise(H9)

MeaningfulWork

H11

OccupationalIdentification

AgeGenderYrs. experienceEducationUnion memberAssociation memberSupervisorJob orientationCareer orientationOccupational identification

ResultsResults

Work as aMoral Duty

WorkSacrifices

JobSatisfaction

• Non-work time (H4)*

• Effort (H5)• Money (H6)

• My duty (H1)*

• Moral superiority (H2)• Org’s duty (H3)*

WorkRigidity

• Occupational (H7)*

• Job (H8)• Work compromise(H9)

AffectiveCommitment

OccupationalIdentification

AgeGenderYrs. experienceEducationUnion memberAssociation memberSupervisorJob orientationCareer orientationOccupational identification

Work asCalling

ResultsResults

Work as aMoral Duty

WorkSacrifices

JobSatisfaction

• Non-work time (H4)*

• Effort (H5)• Money (H6)

• My duty (H1)*

• Moral superiority (H2)• Org’s duty (H3)*

WorkRigidity

• Occupational (H7)*

• Job (H8)• Work compromise(H9)

AffectiveCommitment

OccupationalIdentification

AgeGenderYrs. experienceEducationUnion memberAssociation memberSupervisorJob orientationCareer orientationOccupational identification

Work asCalling

Some ConclusionsSome Conclusions

A calling links the individual to society A calling links the individual to society in a profoundly meaningful way.in a profoundly meaningful way. Passions & endowments Passions & endowments Occupational Occupational

nicheniche I was “meant” to do this sort of workI was “meant” to do this sort of work

A calling is binding as well as ennoblingA calling is binding as well as ennobling This is my duty (to self and society) This is my duty (to self and society)

The Costs of Calling for the The Costs of Calling for the IndividualIndividual

Work-life balanceWork-life balance ““Working here at the zoo has cost me a Working here at the zoo has cost me a

marriage.”marriage.” “ “Most of the zoo's employees are very Most of the zoo's employees are very

dedicated. Most of them put their dedicated. Most of them put their charges or animals or plants right up charges or animals or plants right up there with their family.”there with their family.”

““I have back problems, arthritis, knee I have back problems, arthritis, knee problems. So I give up a lot to work problems. So I give up a lot to work here.”here.”

The Costs of Calling for the The Costs of Calling for the IndividualIndividual

ExploitationExploitation Those with a calling earned lessThose with a calling earned less

““I love the zoo. I would not tell [management] I love the zoo. I would not tell [management] that because they can get a strong hold on you that because they can get a strong hold on you that way. If management knows you love your that way. If management knows you love your job, they'll try to do things to undercut your pay job, they'll try to do things to undercut your pay and stuff like that.”and stuff like that.”

““Even if I wasn't getting paid I would still be Even if I wasn't getting paid I would still be here.”here.”

““How many people in the world get to work How many people in the world get to work with gorillas?… There are other people that with gorillas?… There are other people that would give their eye teeth to be headkeeper would give their eye teeth to be headkeeper of the primate center at the ____ Zoo.”of the primate center at the ____ Zoo.”

The Costs of Callings for The Costs of Callings for the Employing Organizationthe Employing Organization Heightened vigilanceHeightened vigilance

A calling puts the employee-A calling puts the employee-organization relationship on moral organization relationship on moral grounds (we share a moral duty) and grounds (we share a moral duty) and therefore opens the door for feelings of therefore opens the door for feelings of moral violation moral violation (Thompson & Bunderson, 2003)(Thompson & Bunderson, 2003)..

Callings promote a “stewardship Callings promote a “stewardship orientation” orientation” (Davis, Schoorman, & Donaldson, 1997).(Davis, Schoorman, & Donaldson, 1997).

The Power of KnowingThe Power of Knowing“Why You’re Here”“Why You’re Here”

““I understand why I'm here and, quite I understand why I'm here and, quite frankly, you give up a lot to be in the frankly, you give up a lot to be in the animal field. I'm not going to be animal field. I'm not going to be rich. I'm not going to get a major rich. I'm not going to get a major award and I'm not going to be on award and I'm not going to be on parade someplace. So I know why parade someplace. So I know why I'm here.”I'm here.”


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