This document discusses different views on the meaning and value of work. It examines perspectives from Genesis, Karl Marx, and four main models: the conventional view that work is something to be endured; the human fulfillment model that sees work as a way to reach one's potential; the hedonistic model that views work as a means to be able to do what you want; and the liberal model that work should allow worker autonomy and choice. The document asks how businesses can make work meaningful and focuses on ethical responsibilities and considerations around working conditions from each model's perspective.

1. CHAPTER 5
THE MEANING AND VALUE OF WORK
Natalie Scarbrough

2. • What they sell: gourmet gum and gummies
• The need they address: environmental sustainability,
emergency housing after natural disasters, feeding the
hungry, providing healthy drinking water, providing
medicines and treatments for malaria, teaching in
developing nations, promoting anti-bullying programs
PROJECT 7

3. INTRODUCTION
• Everything we do is a means to an end- work is no different.
• Work is what we make of it.
• Genesis has work as a punishment for sin. (p.101)
• Karl Marx thought of work as a way to express our
humanity. (p.102)

4. MEANINGS OF WORK
• Work- (noun) a accomplishment, general undertaking or task, job,
or unemployment. (verb) an activity that includes discipline, toil,
and a measure of concentration. (p.102)
• There is a vast variety of work.
• Housework, government jobs, etc.
• Everyone wants to know everyone else’s job as work is linked to
the personal values of the person.

5. THE VALUE OF WORK
• You could work for money as in a job.
• Today we have higher mobility in jobs than we have had
in past. There are also more part-time and contracted
jobs today.
• Work can also be something that you are passionate about.
• People work to better their golf game, work for a charity,
or work as a member of a household.

6. CONVENTIONAL VIEWS OF WORK
• Work is something you endure.
• There are 2 main sentiments arguing for a negative connotation
for work:
• This Classical interpretation of work believes work diminishes
human capabilities as humans are intellectuals and work is
physical.
• The Hedonistic approach where work is needed so that
people can do whatever they want.

7. HUMAN FULFILLMENT MODEL
• This sees work as a way to reach full potential. If you work
really hard, you will have a happy life.
• Potential can be anything , the main thing is that you
have to stay busy with work.
• Work provides things like a sense of belonging and
companionship. It links people to the world around
them.
• ”What does this work do to me?”

8. LIBERAL MODEL OF WORK
• Workers are influenced by their work, and as such should be
able to freely choose their own jobs.
• Less liberal members of this belief say that some jobs are not
appropriate and are less moral than others.
• Job morality is measured by autonomy, rationality, and
physical and mental health.

9. How can businesses make environments that focus on
ethical responsibilities and making work meaningful?
Model Answer
Classical Work cannot be made meaningful. Only intellectual
pursuits can be meaningful.
Hedonistic If work is viewed from the perspective of getting to
be able to do what you want later, it is meaningful. A
business should haggle wages and conditions.
Human
Fulfillment
Work has to have a positive effect on the workers
and be able to help them reach their full potential.
Liberal Businesses must make sure that workers are able to
keep their own autonomy, rationality, and physical
and mental health.

10. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?
• Which of the models do you think reflects your personal
thoughts/views on work the most?
• Would you give up a job that pays very well if you no longer
are excited to have the job?
• Do you believe that employers have an responsibility to
certain conditions for their workers, or are the conditions just
suggestions as long as the workers are paid?