Meanings of Work in the Professors of UCAB Guayana

Abstract

Universities are not only centers of higher learning but also workplaces where professionals, professors, and technicians from diverse fields work as part of the talent pool that manages organizational, administrative, technological, teaching, research, and outreach projects and objectives. In this context, this research arises with the purpose of constructing an understanding of the meanings of work for university professors at the Andrés Bello Catholic University, Guayana campus. Epistemologically, the study is based on symbolic interactionism and is developed as a qualitative study. Grounded theory is used as the methodology, which implies a continuous process of comparison, analysis, and reflection, facilitating a progressive approach to conceptualization. The information was collected through interviews with seven professors who expressed their willingness to participate. Among the results, it is noteworthy how the meanings of work become marked subjective imprints associated with family, school, social, and then professional life; these imprints add complexity to the commitment of having education as one's job and the responsibility that comes with the passion and emotion for the practice of teaching. The categories of meaning, utility, values, conceptualizations, feelings, and emotions emerge regarding the meanings of work.