An exploratory analysis of definitions and applications of spirituality in the workplace

Abstract

In response to the rising interest in``spirituality in the workplace'', an exploratory analysis of text passages expressing definitions and applications of the topic was conducted. A grounded theory process applying thematic and network analysis techniques was used to examine text samples from three different sources: e-mail, survey responses, and a literature search. Throughout the investigation an emphasis was placed on maintaining the multiplicity of definitions and applications of``spirituality in the workplace'' while methodologically studying the thematic content of these expressions. Code words representing concepts in four function categories emerged: nouns, actions, qualities, and theories. Sentences were re-formed to reveal concepts and relationships discussed in the text samples. Practical applications of the themes of diversity, learning and development, intuition and the personal aspects of``spirituality in the workplace'' are presented.

Workplace spirituality and organizational citizenship behavior: Evidence from banking industry

“…The reason makes organizations be interested in workplace spirituality is the increase on the organizational effectiveness. The experimental evidences show the positive relationship between workplace spirituality and creativity (Freshman, 1999), honesty and trust within organization, Increased sense of personal success, organizational commitment, job different behaviors such as job satisfaction, occupational participation, decreasing the desire to quit, and organization-based self-esteem. There are various definitions and perspectives about the personal nature of spirituality.…”

Workplace Spirituality Scale Design─ the view of Oriental Culture

“…From the view of organizational sociology, Sheep (2006) studied spirituality and indicated that the influences of workplace spirituality are beyond individual, organizational, and social levels. With regard to individuals, Freshman (1999) suggested that spirituality could result in new consciousness, which becomes an institution that will reinforce creativity. Tischler (1999) indicated that self-realization is a major cause to explore spirituality.…”

“…Tischler (1999) indicated that self-realization is a major cause to explore spirituality. Freshman (1999) suggested including self-realization in spiritual activities to facilitate employees' self-realization attitudes and morales at work. Ketchand and Strawser (2001) indicated that commitment in workplace spirituality results in employees' sense of belonging.…”

“…Ketchand and Strawser (2001) indicated that commitment in workplace spirituality results in employees' sense of belonging. Freshman (1999) suggested involving self-realization to facilitate employees' self-realization attitudes and morales at work, which lead to work satisfaction. Ebaugh (2002) demonstrated that workplace spirituality could reinforce employees' career planning.…”

The influence of managers’ spiritual mindfulness on ethical behaviour in organisations

“…Moreover, the use of such interviewing is common in the SWP field (see e.g. Freshman, 1999;Marques, 2004;Neal, 2000). Interviews with the managers occurred in Auckland, New Zealand at the end of 2012 either in their place of work or in public spaces.…”