ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the concept of an “engaged worker” in correct yet more easily understood terms than those used by the scientific community. It examines the concept of engagement using several examples. The chapter describes a practical metaphor so the concept of engagement can be more easily understood, remembered and managed. It discusses the theory and practice of worker engagement with managers, their reaction is odd. They seemingly have a clear concept of what engagement is; at least, they claim they can find it when they see it. However, rarely can they give a practical definition. Most descriptions pay close attention to the time and effort people put in, and often their model of engagement is nothing more than “hard-working” or “dedicated”. William Kahn’s research suggested that engagement is the personal expression of “self-in-role”; someone is engaged when they can express their “authentic self” and to invest themselves personally into their job.
