The Philosophy of Ikigai in Public Relations: Communicating Purpose, Passion, and Meaning
1Majed Abdullah Al-Suraihi
1 Department of Media, Faculty of Social Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 24382, Saudi Arabia
Abstract
Background: The Japanese concept of Ikigai, which includes something one loves, is good at, the world needs, and something one is able to get paid for, is extensively argued in research on well-being, career satisfaction, and mental health, but not so extensively in the practice of public relations or communication. Objective: The research examined how practitioners perceive Ikigai concerning its effect on their work/personal life and organisational communication outcomes. Methods: A descriptive analytical study was undertaken. 121 Saudi Arabian public relations practitioners were sampled purposively and surveyed via a cross-sectional survey. Results: Both statements showed very high mean scores and low standard deviations, indicative of strong and uniform agreement. Conclusions: Findings suggest that Ikigai is commonly believed to be very relevant not only to individual happiness and fulfilment but also to essential public relations success. Originality: The study touched on Ikigai in public relations, an aspect that is not well-tapped in Ikigai studies.
Keywords
Ikigai, public relations, communication, purpose of life, work engagement.