Understanding Commitment Among Different Tenured Employees. Case : Finnair

Abstract

In today’s dynamic organizational landscape, fostering employee commitment remains pivotal. This thesis, amidst Finnair’s 100-year-long journey as an organisation, it explores the intricate facets shaping employee dedication within the aviation industry. Despite years of research, Finnair stands as a symbol of resilience, weathering global industry challenges, including the COVID-19 disruptions and macroeconomic setbacks. As such, this study reveals the unique cultural elements in Finnair that sustain employee commitment. Weaving these into established motivational theories offers a complete view of Finnair’s commitment strategies. Anchored in the Three-component model and guided by Morrow and McElroy’s tenure-based framework, this research uncovers how intrinsic motivations and fair compensation drive employee commitment. A notable finding is the deep sense of ”Finnair citizenship” reflecting employees’ unwavering loyalty, regardless of their tenure. The concept of meaningful work, evident in academic literature and empirical findings, aligns with Finnair’s goals. The COVID-19 pandemic underscores the vital role of adversity and transparent communication, valued by employees. Tailored compensation strategies yield insights: long-serving staff seek diverse experiences, while newcomers value recognition. The research also delves into Finnair’s career development, emphasizing the interplay of growth opportunities. This exploration offers insights for nurturing commitment in contemporary contexts. It builds on Finnair’s century-long journey, laying a foundation for further research into employee commitment dynamics. Methodologically in this study employs a qualitative research approach, drawing on empirical insights obtained through in-depth semi-structured interviews with eighteen participants. These participants encompass employees with varying tenures, categorized into three groups: less than 2 years, 2-10 years, and more than 10 years. Thematic analysis, complemented by interpretation and analytic generalization, serves as the tools for dissecting the research findings. This study both enhances existing literature and introduces novel perspectives to the identified factors. It approaches the multifaceted nature of employee commitment holistically, addressing the gaps in academic literature. In sum, this thesis offers a comprehensive study, extending current understandings and presenting practical implications related to the focal topic.