Browsing by Author "Kurru, Niina"

Aims. The aim of this qualitative study was to examine conceptions of competence and competence development and well-being at expert work from the employees' perspective. The aim was also to examine how the phenomena are attached to each other. Previous studies have shown that competence is a key factor in well-being, and competence development has positive effects on well-being, especially at knowledge-intensive work. The topic is important since expert work is more and more common. The research questions were: What kind of conceptions of competence and competence development and well-being at expert work the target organization's employees have, and how are the phenomena attached to each other according to the conceptions of the target organization's employees. Methods. The study was conducted by interviewing 12 employees from the selected target company. The target company is an expert organization and its employees are considered as experts. The research approach in this study was phenomenography. Results. According to the results, competence in expert work was extensive and complex, and the most essential way of learning was learning on the job. The results highlighted, that competence development took place in discomfort zone and required reflection and self-awareness. According to the results, well-being at work was based on meaningful, challenging, developing job with reasonable work load as well as open and collaborative atmosphere. Based on the results of the study, competence, competence development and well-being at work were attached to each other through work tasks that match one's competence, opportunities that develop one's competence, and competence in managing one's work, i.e. time management, organization and balance between the different areas of life. Work tasks are key elements of competence, competence development and well-being at expert work. Work tasks are a channel in applying and developing competence, and work tasks that match one's competence also serve as a basis for well-being. Work tasks require special attention when planning and managing expert work. Work management skills help in everyday work situations and support comprehensive life management, and these management skills should be taken into account in education and employment training. Work management skills and other potentially relevant well-being related skills would require further research.