Att vara lite på show varje dag - En kvalitativ studie där eftertraktade konsulter inom kunskapsintensiva branscher ger sitt unika perspektiv på motivation och karriär

Abstract

The interest in understanding individuals' motivation and satisfaction at work, their driving forces behind career choices, and how companies should act to attract and retain talent has steadily increased over the years. The starting point and focus of these areas are different, but intertwined in that they together can answer questions regarding how companies and individuals should think and act in order to contribute to positive results. This study’s aim is to gain more knowledge regarding what motivates highly sought after and performing consultants in knowledge-intensive industries, to investigate whether there is a common pattern as to why individuals take on the consulting role profession. The study is based on three theories; Maslow's hierarchy of needs, the Hertzberg two-factor theory, and career anchors by Schein which together serve to fulfill the purpose of the study. Career anchors is used to create a baseline, the hierarchy of needs deepens the understanding of the anchors while the two-factor theory adds the element of external factors. In our semi-structured interviews, we have been able to identify several themes where development and challenge stand out as the most prominent in relation to feeling satisfied and thriving in the role of a consultant. The study further sees a clear connection between those who are driven by development and challenge in that they are generally less vulnerable to the tough reality that many consultants describe. In comparison are those who are less driven by development and challenge and the study can see that they have a greater need for support from their consult agency. Furthermore, the result shows that the respondent’s own ideals and feeling of contributing to society plays an important role in the respondents drives and career choices.