Meaningful Work in Midwifery

Abstract

There has been an increase in the study of meaningful work as scholars and practitioners seek ways to enhance an employees' sense of purpose. This exciting topic has been explored in several occupations and industries. Two competing approaches to meaningful work dominate the literature. There is the unidimensional perspective (meaning is achieved through a single dimension), and the multidimensional perspective (meaning is experienced through a range of dimensions).

This study applies a multidimensional perspective using the framework: The Map of Meaning—to investigate New Zealand facility based midwives’ experiences. The Map of Meaning uses seven dimensions to consider the meaningfulness or meaninglessness that the participant experiences in each area. A scoping review was completed to identify any literature based on meaningful work in midwifery. Results of the review concluded that no research has been completed to understand midwives perception of meaningfulness from their occupation.

Five New Zealand, facility based midwives participated in this research. Each participant completed a survey to present their own personal experience of meaningfulness within their role. Following this, in-depth interviews were conducted and transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings show that connection with others, differing philosophies, and workload and staff shortages were the themes extracted from the data to show midwives experiences of meaningfulness or meaninglessness at work.