What’s the Purpose? Employee Perspectives on Being ‘Purpose-driven’ in Hybrid Organisations

The notion of being purpose-driven and wishes for doing good in society has gained increased attention. This is mirrored in the upsurge of hybrid organisations balancing both social and financial value. Seen through the theoretical lenses of alternative organising purpose rests on autonomy, solidarity, and responsibility. The article investigates how these dimensions are outlived and perceived through a case study. The main findings are: (1) societal responsibility is enacted differently with respect to multiple purposes, (2) organisational purpose is also nurturing reflections on autonomy and solidarity, and (3) being ‘alternative’ might diminish negative organisational and societal affairs but may obscure negative work conditions