Exploring the Dimensions of Employee Engagement in the Financial Sector
Keywords:
Employee engagement, financial institutions, qualitative study, organizational behavior, leadership support, workplace culture, IranAbstract
This study aimed to explore the key organizational, psychological, and interpersonal dimensions that shape employee engagement within the financial sector, using the lived experiences of employees in Iranian financial institutions. A qualitative research design was employed to capture in-depth perspectives on engagement. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 26 employees from various financial institutions in Tehran, including banks, insurance companies, and investment firms. Participants were selected using purposive sampling, and interviews continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. All interviews were transcribed and analyzed using NVivo 12 software. Thematic analysis guided the coding and identification of key themes and subthemes. Analysis revealed three overarching themes influencing employee engagement: organizational drivers, psychological and emotional factors, and interpersonal and cultural context. Organizational drivers included leadership support, role clarity, recognition, internal communication, and career development. Psychological factors encompassed job satisfaction, motivation, stress, burnout, and organizational commitment. Interpersonal and cultural elements involved team dynamics, trust in management, peer relationships, participation, and inclusion. Participants emphasized that engagement was shaped not only by structural support and rewards but also by trust-based relationships, shared values, and a supportive work culture. Several culturally contextual nuances, such as the value of social connectedness and hierarchical respect, emerged as influential. The findings underscore the multifaceted nature of employee engagement and the importance of contextual, emotional, and relational dynamics in shaping engagement experiences in the financial sector. The study contributes to the literature by offering a context-sensitive understanding of engagement and provides actionable insights for leaders and human resource professionals seeking to foster higher engagement levels in complex organizational environments.
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