The Process of Meaning-Making in International Aid Work: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

In the past decade, there has been increasing psychological research interest in both the experiences of international aid workers and in the relationship between meaning and work. However one of the unexplored research areas in occupational psychology is the process of meaning-making. There is also a lack of knowledge of the experience of meaning in aid work. A review of the literature suggests that meaning is a key motivational factor in work, particularly in international aid work, but how the experience of meaning is navigated over time is a neglected question. This study undertook to explore the process of meaning-making in international aid work, using an interpretative phenomenological analysis methodology. Written reflections were collected and semi-structured interviews were conducted with six Canadian aid workers. The transcripts were analyzed and coded, resulting in four superordinate content themes related to the experience meaningfulness in the lifecareer, and four superordinate process themes were identified. The four content themes were: being values-driven, having an impact, relationships and passion. The four process themes were: motivation, confirmation, renegotiation and re-evaluation. Implications for both aid workers and aid organizations were discussed and opportunities for further research were identified.