Interpretation of Work Meaningfulness as a Trigger for Self-Driven Motivation in KSPPS Employees of KSPPS BMT Mandiri Sejahtera East Java

Authors

  • Andini Ardymargareta Islamic University Darul 'Ulum Lamongan
  • Syuhada' Islamic University Darul 'Ulum Lamongan
  • Intan Ayu Islamic University Darul 'Ulum Lamongan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59525/jess.1939

Keywords:

Work Meaningfulness, Self-Driven Motivation

Abstract

This study examines how employees of KSPPS BMT Mandiri Sejahtera East Java interpret the meaning of their work and how these interpretations foster self-driven motivation. In Islamic microfinance institutions, work extends beyond economic objectives to encompass social and religious responsibilities, making work meaningfulness an important source of intrinsic motivation. This study employs a qualitative phenomenological approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation involving employees of KSPPS BMT Mandiri Sejahtera East Java and analyzed using the Miles and Huberman interactive model, including data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that employees perceive work as an act of worship, a trust, a form of community service, and a means of empowering the local economy. These interpretations are shaped by the interaction of personal values, organizational culture, leadership, and the social environment. Meaningful work encourages self-driven motivation, reflected in employees' initiative, responsibility, commitment, perseverance, and enthusiasm without relying primarily on external rewards. The study concludes that work meaningfulness is a key psychological foundation for developing sustainable intrinsic motivation in Islamic microfinance institutions. These findings contribute to the literature on meaningful work and provide practical insights for strengthening human resource management through the integration of organizational and Islamic values.

References

Allan, B. A., Autin, K. L., & Duffy, R. D. (2016). Self-Determination and Meaningful Work: Exploring Socioeconomic Constraints. Frontiers in Psychology, 7(February), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00071

Badaruddin, B., Yusriadi, Y., & Fatmasari, F. (2025). Organizational dynamics of employee performance in Indonesian banking with reference to Islamic work values and workplace engagement. Discover Global Society, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44282-025-00328-9

Deci, R. M. R. and E. L. (2000). Self-Determination Theory and the Facilitation of Intrinsic Motivation, Social Development, and Well-Being. 55(1), 68–78.

Frank Martela. (2023). The Normative Value of Making a Positive Contribution–Benefiting Others as a Core Dimension of Meaningful Work. Journal of Business Ethic, 811–823.

Hackman, J. R., and Oldham, G. R. (1974). The Job Diagnostic Survey: An Instrument for the Diagnosis of Jobs and the Evaluation of Job Redesign Projects. Report No. 4, Yale University, Department of Administration Science, New Haven, CT., (1).

Helaluddin. (2020). Getting to Know Phenomenological Approaches Closely: A Qualitative Study. UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang, (March), 1–15.

Kaylyn McAnally and Martin S. Hagger. (2024). Self-Determination Theory and Workplace Outcomes: A Conceptual Review and Future Research Directions. Behavioral Sciences.

Luqmanul Hakiem Ajuna. (2021). The Relevance of Islamic Religiosity, Islamic Work Ethics, and Job Satisfaction of Employees in Islamic Financial Institutions in Gorontalo. Al-Iqtishad: Jurnal Ilmu Ekonomi Syariah, 13(1), 137–150. https://doi.org/10.15408/aiq.v13i1.17052

Lysova, E. I., Allan, B. A., Dik, B. J., Duffy, R. D., & Steger, M. F. (2019). Fostering meaningful work in organizations: A multi-level review and integration. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 110, 374–389. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2018.07.004

Marylene Gagne and Edward L. Deci. (2005). Self-determination theory and work motivation. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 362(October 2003), 331–362.

Michael F. Steger. (2019). Creating Meaning and Purpose at Work. The Wiley Blackwell Handbook of the Psychology of Positivity and Strengths-Based Approaches at Work, 60–81. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118977620.ch5

Miles dan Huberman. (1994). Qualitative Data Analysys.

Palinkas, L. A., Horwitz, S. M., Green, C. A., Wisdom, J. P., Duan, N., Hoagwood, K., … Northwest, K. P. (1968). Purposeful sampling for qualitative data collection and analysis in mixed method implementation research. Dental Survey, 44(12), 73. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-013-0528-y.Purposeful

Qomaruddin, H. S. (2024). Theoretical Studies of Data Analysis Techniques in Qualitative Research: Spradley, Miles and Huberman Perspectives. Journal of Management, Accounting and Administration, 1(2), 77–84.

Rosso, B. D., Dekas, K. H., & Wrzesniewski, A. (2010). On the meaning of work: A theoretical integration and review. Research in Organizational Behavior, 30(C), 91–127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.riob.2010.09.001

Seo, J. K., Mahudin, M. Bin, & Sohn, Y. W. (2022). The relationship between religiosity and meaningful work among Malaysian Muslim employees: The mediating role of existential labor. PLoS ONE, 17(12 December), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0279251

Steger, M. F., Dik, B. J., & Duffy, R. D. (2012). Measuring Meaningful Work: The Work and Meaning Inventory (WAMI). Journal of Career Assessment, 20(3), 322–337. https://doi.org/10.1177/1069072711436160

Wahid Wachyu Adi Winarto. (2021). The role of Islamic work ethic mediation between human resource practices and organizational performance in Islamic financial institutions. Journal of Modernized Economics, 17(3), 270–286.

Widodo, T., Wening, N., Nakuloadi, H., Rustiana, E., & Saifuddiin, and M. R. (2024). Work Engagement in Generation Z Employees: Organizational Commitment, Perceived Organizational Support and Work Meaningfulness. International Journal of Religion, 5(12), 284 – 296.

Downloads

Published

2026-08-05

How to Cite

Ardymargareta, A., Syuhada’, & Intan Ayu. (2026). Interpretation of Work Meaningfulness as a Trigger for Self-Driven Motivation in KSPPS Employees of KSPPS BMT Mandiri Sejahtera East Java. Journal of Economics and Social Sciences (JESS), 5(2), 93–100. https://doi.org/10.59525/jess.1939

Issue

Section

Articles

Similar Articles

<< < 1 2 3 4 5 > >> 

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.