SDSU

MASTER OF ARTS IN LIBERAL ARTS



MALA 600A
The Meaning of Work


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Discussion Questions for Week 2


1) What three things most give meaning and purpose to your life? Does the way you 'spend' your time reflect these core values?

2) What is your personal purpose? What is your organization's purpose? Are the two in alignment? Is it necessary that they be in alignment?

The following set of three questions relate to the Collin's article What Comes Next?:

3) What do you stand for?

4) Collins suggests "...we're going to see three significant changes in business because of what these people will create. Number one, we're going to see companies increasingly assume that what they stand for in an enduring sense is more important than what they sell. Second, I think we'll see a shift away from focusing on strategy to building mechanisms. And third, we're going to see people building companies that do not depend on charismatic leader."

Do you agree or disagree with Collins' claims? What evidence can you cite in support of your agreement or disagreement?

5) Collins argues that "[t]o put your core purpose to work, you need mechanisms--the practices that bring what you stand for to life and stimulate change."

Describe one mechanism which would bridge the link between purpose and practice in the organization for which you currently work.

6) What is efficiency? How are the concepts of efficiency and meangful work related?

7) In The Hungry Spirit, Handy describes the 'lesser hunger' as for the things that sustain life, and the 'greater hunger' as for a meaning and purpose to that life. Is there a relationship between the 'lesser' and 'greater' hungers?

8) If you live your life to its end as you are living it today, what regrets might you anticipate having?


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