Happiness at Work: A University Case

Yıl 2024, Cilt: 15 Sayı: 2, 1669 - 1694, 28.08.2024

Ayşegül Atalay

https://doi.org/10.51460/baebd.1498642

Öz

Although there is considerable diversity in the definitions of happiness, it is generally understood to be a state of positive emotion and life satisfaction. The concept of happiness at work is explored through the lenses of job satisfaction, well-being, psychological health, and emotional organisational commitment. Past research has tended to undervalue the significance of happiness at work. However, contemporary evidence suggests that happiness at all levels of life has profound implications for both individuals and organisations. Consequently, a plethora of measurement tools have been developed in recent times, with studies conducted to ascertain the levels of happiness at work. However, the limited studies conducted at the higher education level have necessitated an investigation into the happiness status of academicians at work. In line with this fundamental objective, the happiness status of academicians working at a university in Turkey was analysed by applying the case study technique from qualitative research methods. In order to ensure diversity of views in the research and to describe the data obtained in detail, a total of 12 participants were included in the research. These comprised three academics (professor, associate professor, assistant professor and research assistant) from each staff title. The findings of the research indicate that the sources of happiness for academics are primarily developed individually. It is understood that they strive to maintain their state of happiness through their own efforts, apart from their institutions. When the sources of happiness at work are examined, it is evident that issues such as positive beliefs about their work and relationships with other stakeholders, being in an inclusive organisational culture, striving for personal development, establishing a work-life balance and having suitable working conditions are of significant importance. In addition, it has been observed that academics tend to view issues such as publishing or producing publications and receiving positive feedback from students as important sources of happiness. Consequently, it is deemed crucial to prioritize effective leadership that is inclusive of all members of the university community, to foster a positive corporate culture, and to create an environment where employees feel supported, valued, and motivated by enhancing employee engagement.

Anahtar Kelimeler

happiness, universty, workplace, casestudy

İş’te Mutluluk: Bir Üniversite Örneği

Öz

Mutluluğun birçok farklı tanımı olsa da genellikle içinde pozitif duyguları barındıran ve yaşam doyumu ile ifade edilen bir kavram olarak göze çarpmaktadır. “ İş”te mutluluk ise iş tatmini, iyi oluş, psikolojik sağlık, duygusal örgütsel bağlılık gibi kavramlarla açıklanmaya çalışılmaktadır. Geçmişteki araştırmalar işte yaşanan mutluluğun önemini hafife alma eğilimde seyretmiştir ancak günümüzde hayatın her düzeyindeki mutluluğun hem bireyler hem de örgütler için önemli sonuçları olduğuna dair kanıtlar vardır. Bu sebeple son dönemde konuyla ilgili pek çok ölçme aracı geliştirildiği ve işte mutluluk düzeylerinin ortaya konulduğu çalışmalar yapılmıştır. Ancak yükseköğretim düzeyinde yapılan sınırlı çalışmalar akademisyenlerin iş yaşamındaki mutluluk durumlarının araştırılması gerekliliğini doğurmuştur. Bu temel amaç doğrultusunda Türkiye’de yer alan bir üniversitede görev yapan akademisyenlerin mutluluk durumları nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden durum çalışması tekniğine başvurularak incelenmiştir. Araştırmada görüş çeşitliğini sağlamak ve elde edilen verileri detaylı bir şekilde betimlemek için her kadro unvanından üç akademisyen (profesör, doçent, dr. öğretim üyesi ve araştırma görevlisi) olmak üzere toplamda 12 katılımcı araştırmaya dâhil edilmiştir. Araştırma bulgularına göre akademisyenlerin mutluluk kaynakları daha çok bireysel şekilde gelişmekte; kurumlarından ayrı olarak kendi çabalarıyla mutlu olma halini sürdürme yönünde gayret gösterdikleri anlaşılmaktadır. Genel olarak işyerinde mutlu olma kaynaklarına bakıldığında yaptıkları işe dair geliştirilen pozitif inançlar ve diğer paydaşlarla olan ilişkiler, kapsayıcı bir örgüt kültürünün içinde olma, kişisel gelişim çabası, iş-yaşam dengesi kurma ve uygun çalışma koşullarına sahip olma gibi konuların öne çıktığı görülmektedir. Bunun dışında akademisyenlerin yayın yapma veya üretme, öğrencilerden pozitif geribildirim alma gibi konuları önemli mutluluk kaynakları olarak görme eğilimde olduğu gözlenmektedir. Sonuç olarak üniversitede herkesi kapsayıcı etkili bir liderliğe odaklanması, olumlu bir kurum kültürünün teşvik edilmesi ve çalışan bağlılığını artırarak, çalışanların desteklendiklerini, değer gördüklerini ve motive olduklarını hissettikleri bir ortam yaratılması önemli görülmüştür.

Anahtar Kelimeler

mutluluk, üniversite, işyeri, örnek olay

Kaynakça

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