What makes work meaningful? Longitudinal evidence for the importance of autonomy and beneficence for meaningful work

The significance of meaningful work for quality life has been confirmed by research showing its importance both as regards to employee motivation, well-being, and commitment well organizational outcomes such turnover intentions, citizenship behavior, customer satisfaction. In explaining what makes meaningful, Self-Determination Theory (SDT) provides a potent theoretical framework, linking the satisfaction human psychological needs. Accordingly, we draw on SDT prosocial behavior examine identify four most potential pathways work: beneficence needs autonomy, competence, relatedness. We tested these antecedents in three-waves longitudinal design among large sample Chilean workers (T1 N = 631, T2 240, T3 148). found that autonomy prospectively predict subsequent above beyond other two baseline levels work. These results advance theory key have important practical implications how organizations managers can foster meaningfulness workplace through cultivating beneficence.