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Authors
Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
This thesis investigates whether and how purpose drives performance, progressing from its
definition as an individual motivator to its role as a driver of organizational success. Despite
increasing emphasis on purpose in academic literature and management practice, gaps remain
regarding the alignment of individual and organizational purpose, the role of leadership, and its
measurable impact on business outcomes. Addressing these gaps, this research introduces models
that connect individual purpose to organizational performance, illustrating how purpose is applied
and experienced within business contexts. Study 1 establishes the conceptual foundations of
purpose, distinguishing it from terms such as goals and meaning, and develops frameworks for
aligning individual intentions with collective organizational objectives. Study 2 expands on the
individual to organizational connection by focusing on the role of leaders, particularly CEOs, as
the most influential individuals in crafting and embedding an organization’s purpose. Through
interviews with senior leaders, this qualitative study identifies a four-phase process based on how
leader’s perceive their role in creating purpose-driven organizations. Study 3 is a quantitative study
using survey data to examine how employees, as a key stakeholder group, perceive organizational
purpose and its influence on their individual performance, and overall organizational outcomes.
The study highlights the critical roles of responsible leadership and job satisfaction in mediating
these effects. Overall, the findings of this research demonstrate that purpose, when authentically
embedded by leadership and perceived as meaningful by employees, fosters job satisfaction and
perceived individual and organizational performance.
Description
Keywords
Purpose Organizations Stakeholders Strategy Leadership
Pedagogical Context
Citation
Jones, Leigh Ann (2025). "Does purpose matter? Exploring its impact on individuals and organizations". Tese de Doutoramento. Universidade de Lisboa. Instituto Superior de Economia e Gestão.
Publisher
Instituto Superior de Economia e Gestão