Motivation of Future Knowledge Workers: A Comparative Study of Engineering Students’ opinions on Work in Sweden and Finland

Abstract: The aim of this thesis is to examine which factors and incentives affect the work motivation of students from technical degree programmes in Sweden and Finland, and how companies can attract graduating students to apply for a job. The study explores also similarities and differences in preferences of work-related incentives and impact of cultural differences in work values. Theoretical framework concentrates on discussing the motivational factors and techniques in the work environment that mostly have an influence in knowledge workers and the young generation, which both are important proportion of work force in these two countries that are specialised in the field of information and communication technology. The data was collected by a questionnaire from two Universities of Technology in Sweden and Finland. The study shows the importance of understanding new factors that graduating students set high scores, which can be used for attracting university students to companies with similar values. Students placed most value for combining work and personal life, career opportunities, possibilities for self-development, interesting and challenging work tasks, followed by benefit and reward programmes of organisations. Flexibility was required in all the organisational structures and functions, not forgetting the guidance and support from the manager.