Examining the meaningful work level of generation x and generation y teachers

Abstract

In the 21st Century, the increase in expectation of education has required a series of more complex roles, responsibilities and competences in the teaching profession. Teachers who are the most strategic factor in educational effectiveness, their generation differences and level of motivation are one of the important variables in the success of the institutions. The purpose of this study was to reveal the level of meaningful work in Generation X and Generation Y teachers, and its relationship with various variables. According to this purpose relaible and valid measurement tool was also developed. This study was designed in a descriptive survey model and carried out with the participation of 267 teachers with quantitative method. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, t-test and one way analysis of variance (ANOVA), exploratory factor analysis, split half reliabilty test. It was found that meaningful work levels of teachers are high and generation X teachers find their work relatively more meaningful than Generation Y. There was a significant difference between the opinions of teachers’ on meaningful work level based on city and school type variables. Internal moral values are relatively more effective on teachers’ meaningful work experiences than external financial-material values. It was also revealed that meaningful work scale is reliable and valid questionnaire.