O significado do trabalho para uma executiva: a dicotomia prazer e sofrimento

Abstract

In papers on work in different areas of knowledge, it is possible to find studies pointing out the negative dimension of labor as the cause of suffering, struggle and pain. However, it is recognized that work may also have another dimension – a positive one – related to the construction of identity and self-fulfillment. In this perspective, this study aimed at understanding the meaning of work for an executive, identifying what dimensions she sees in her professional activity. Therefore, we used the qualitative method – namely oral history –, whose construction was based on a narrative interview with an executive of an organization that operates in the area of quality certification. Results show that the meaning of work for this executive is based on two aspects: the centrality of work and pleasure and pain. It was observed that, throughout her career, the work acquired new meanings, but the pleasure dimension always came first. Thus, in the context of this study, feelings such as happiness, pride, appreciation, achievement, recognition, challenge, learning, social interaction were some aspects that guided the dimension of pleasure for this executive.