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.