Showing papers in "Journal of Management, Spirituality & Religion in 2014"

Religiosity and spirituality in entrepreneurship: a review and research agenda

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to review the influences of spirituality and religiosity within the field of entrepreneurship. We review nearly 30 articles, exploring the dominant empirical contributions that exist within this emergent research area. Several main focus areas from the prevailing research are organized into a comprehensive framework that provides the foundation for further discussion and synthesis. Shortcomings and limitations to the field and an agenda for future research that contributes to our understanding of religion and spirituality within the realm of entrepreneurship are presented.

Serving with spirit: an integrative model of workplace spirituality within service organizations

Abstract: Service organizations are uniquely subject to the effects of emotional labor. To address these impacts, we examine workplace spirituality (WPS) as a valuable resource within the emotional labor context of service organizations and propose an integrative model that encompasses the effects of WPS on employees, customers, and the organization. We posit that organizations that possess the WPS values of respect, humanism, and integrity, and an ethical organizational climate can buffer the negative effects of emotional labor through increased employee satisfaction and organizational commitment. Similarly, we propose that WPS can positively influence customer satisfaction and loyalty and also organizational performance and sustainability directly through its WPS values and ethical climate, and indirectly through employee satisfaction and commitment and customer satisfaction and loyalty. Our conceptual integrative model provides testable propositions related to WPS within the emotional labor context of service or...

Building spiritual capabilities to sustain sustainability-based competitive advantages

Abstract: There is a rising global concern that centers on creating an ecologically, socially, and economically sustainable world for current and future generations. This rising sustainability consciousness is built on higher-level value systems that support the sacredness of people and nature. These values promote environmental and social responsibility as avenues to fair profits, and they are currently penetrating the global business environment. Because of their coevolutionary relationships with the business environment, business organizations are now faced with the need to craft efficient and effective triple bottom line strategies that allows them to earn profits in sustainable ways. Because sustainability is complex, multifaceted concept with deep spiritual roots, building triple bottom line strategies requires that organizations develop intangible spiritual capabilities (i.e. spiritual intelligence and spiritual capital) that are valuable, rare, holistic, socially complex, and causally ambiguous, making them...

The question of theoretical foundations for the spirituality at work movement

Abstract: Over ten years ago, Benefiel called for the creation of a philosophical foundation for the spirituality at work movement, which she believed to be at risk because of the lack of theory and disagreement about key terms. This paper examines problems involved in setting up such a foundation.

Spirituality and entrepreneurial failure

Abstract: The paper examines how spirituality, an inner awareness especially of a greater force or power beyond the individual self, affected entrepreneurs’ experience of an important but under-researched part of the entrepreneurial process – venture failure. We implement a qualitative, narrative research design and present a collective narrative of nine entrepreneurs whose spirituality played a role in experiencing venture failure. Unexpectedly, findings revealed entrepreneurs engaging deeply with failure instead of indulging in the self-deception and denial suggested by research that applies psychological theories to venture failure. Furthermore, findings provided a rare, positive outcome from failure – entrepreneurs’ spirituality deepened through experiencing this negative life event. Finally, results indicate how spirituality influenced entrepreneurs’ decisions about founding future ventures after failure.

Spiritual resources in the job demands-resources model

Abstract: The present study investigates the role of spiritual resources in the motivational and health impairment processes of the job demands-resources model. Spiritual resources are operationalized as a distinct category of personal resources. Results of item-level structural equation modeling on data from 835 Australian religious workers support the hypotheses that spiritual resources promote work engagement and lower exhaustion, which in turn fully mediate the influence of spiritual resources on reduced turnover intentions and emotional ill health. However, spiritual resources were not found to moderate the relationship between job demands and exhaustion. Cross-validation of the measurement model and structural relationships were assessed using a split-half technique. Limitations, future directions, and practical implications for improving the well-being of religious workers are discussed.

Refining normative stakeholder theory: insights from Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

Abstract: Given the historical and ongoing influence of religion, religious faith traditions might provide a compelling and coherent normative core for stakeholder theory. This paper explores the three Abrahamic faith traditions – Judaism, Christianity, and Islam – and applies principles derived from these traditions to stakeholder theory. Our analysis of these faith traditions yields four elements of a common normative core that is germane to stakeholder theory: (1) the need to place community at the center of human activity, including business activity; (2) skepticism about economic power and its misapplication; (3) a tempering of our commitment to individual liberty as the highest normative good to be achieved by society; and (4) the dignity of the individual person and, with that, an obligation of reciprocity between the individual and society (including businesses). We then identify two current issues in stakeholder research, considering ways that the three faith traditions would advance discussion about them....

Work ethics from the Islamic and Hindu traditions: in quest of common ground

Abstract: Interest in the role of spiritual and religious traditions in the workplace has been growing in recent years. In this article, we seek to contribute to this burgeoning field of study by investigating the significance of work in man’s life according to the Islamic and Hindu traditions and, in particular, the common work-related ethical principles advocated in the two religions. We focus our discussion on three key interrelated ethical principles which apply to the domain of work: justice, benevolence, and trusteeship – all of which are espoused in both Islam and Hinduism and which, we argue, stem from the key metaphysical principle of “unity”, a shared doctrine in both religions.

Policing and spirituality: their impact on brain integration and consciousness

Abstract: This paper reports findings from two studies that explore the role of a spiritual framework in buffering toxic experiences police officers encounter in the course of their duty. The first study was an interview of 33 police officers who were active in their law enforcement career. The officers responded to eight core questions about their police work, spiritual history, and spiritual beliefs. Three themes emerged from the content analysis. The second study was a quantitative investigation of psychological performance using Electroencephalography measures. These officers, who were identified with high levels of spirituality in the interview study, had low levels of perceived stress, high levels on the Transcendence dimension, fast executive processing, and high levels of brain integration. These studies suggest that levels of spirituality are grounded in mental and brain functioning, and so could be systematically cultured to help officers deal effectively with the toxic nature of police work.

Stakeholder theory and spirituality

Abstract: There are a host of reasons to do a special issue. Sometimes they are to create a change of pace, to shake things up, and even to fill space during a slow stretch for a journal. However, sometimes ...

Exploring the generative potential between positive organizational scholarship and management, spirituality, and religion research

Abstract: Though conceptually distinct, the fields of positive organizational scholarship (POS) and management, spirituality, and religion (MSR) consider various phenomena in common. In this paper, we address a range of topics that both disciplines explore, as well as topics that are exclusive to one domain but that may inform and enrich the other. We identify shared criticisms that both domains have faced and highlight different paths each field has taken toward establishing legitimacy. Our aim is to identify mutually relevant terrain where MSR research and POS can inform and enrich each other.

Religious bias and stigma: attitudes toward working with a Muslim co-worker

Abstract: Using social identity and stigma frameworks, this study investigated the extent to which Christians exhibited biased reactions toward a Muslim co-worker. The authors hypothesized that Christians would view a potential Muslim co-worker as lower on competence and less desirable in terms of a working relationship and would be less attracted to an organization when a potential co-worker was Muslim, and that these in-group preferences would be moderated by participant religiosity. Though no main effect for religious group affiliation was found, moderator analyses revealed that highly religious individuals had a lower desire to establish working relationships with or work for a firm employing a prospective Muslim co-worker, while lower religiosity individuals exhibited no such preferences. Research and practical implications are discussed.

A framework for a Catholic Stakeholder core

Abstract: Despite extensive connections to ethics and philosophy, the literature on stakeholder theory has largely avoided direct linkages to religion and spirituality. At the same time, Catholic Social Teaching and other religious traditions have ignored any meaningful discussion of stakeholder theory. This paper connects the stakeholder literature and religion by presenting a framework that specifies macro-level core Catholic Social Teaching tenets and the normative business obligations derived from this doctrine. These obligations ground Catholic Stakeholder Thinking which represents the attendant meso-level responsibilities of managers and firms, as well as the priority rules for resolving stakeholder conflicts. The resulting articulation of Catholic doctrine to business expands not only the normative depth of stakeholder theory, but also the practicality and relevance of Catholic Social Teaching. Through their interactions with various stakeholders, firms and managers are encouraged to pursue the common good a...

Decoration, self-transcendence, and spiritual expression: stakeholder cooperation and the creation of joint value in the workplace

Abstract: This paper explores recent empirical findings that highlight the importance of decoration, particularly in forms that may be described as a kind of spirituality or spiritual expression, and the significance these findings have for thinking about how stakeholders cooperate to create value. We highlight how this phenomenon may become important for thinking about organizations – especially how spirituality may play a role in fostering stakeholder relations that generate more value for all those involved as well as limit transaction costs. Given our focus in exploring this phenomenon and highlighting decoration’s relevance, we focus on its core findings, outline connections to the spirituality and stakeholder theory literatures, and note promising directions for future research.

Calling to the anima mundi:on restoring soul within organizations

Abstract: Concerns about the loss of spirit, morale, and morality in modern organizations, apparent in the growing spirituality-at-work literature, suggest that the dominant business paradigm is unbalanced. Grounded in a patriarchal view of the world, it effectively negates the feminine and its intrinsic connection with nature. Alchemists, as C.G. Jung discussed extensively in his works, understood the risk of living in an unbalanced world which neglects the soul of the earth and the soul of people. This paper explores the lost connection with the soul and discusses its ethical implications. In particular, I argue that the anima mundi (the world soul) can restore balance and values in organizations if she is attended to respectfully and with care. This process involves an appreciation of the feminine in its practical and archetypal sense, and some extensive inner work, in the spirit of alchemical imagination, to understand ourselves and our organizations better.

Inner peace – global impact: Tibetan Buddhism, leadership, and work

Abstract: Increasingly, one’s inner life in the context of leadership and work matters Self-knowing and self-awareness are more frequently seen as core leadership capacities in organizations and in manageme

Virtuous leadership revisited: the case of Hüsnü Özyeğin of FIBA Holding

Abstract: In 2006, we, the authors, and David Waldman wrote an article for the Journal of Management, Spirituality & Religion describing a theoretical model of how we thought virtuous leadership might manifest and perpetuate itself in modern organizations, particularly in relation to organizational learning. The article was inspired because of two things. First, we witnessed many dramatic cases of executive malfeasance and lack of virtue in organizations, which was a bit dispiriting, as we were and still are executive educators. Second, we had a lot of hope for the future and all worked in the areas of positive organizational behavior and positive psychology. Thus, we desired to articulate a more positive model for organizations. Today, we revisit that model and test it, if you will, using the case of the self-made billionaire and richest man in Turkey – Husnu Ozyegin – who is also a well-known philanthropist and social entrepreneur.

POS and MSR: in pursuit of synergistic virtue, meaning, resilience, and humanization at work in management scholarship

Abstract: Positive Organizational Scholarship (POS) has emerged as one of the most impactful domains of management scholarship in decades. We are delighted to have an article written by several established P...

Spirituality, Inc.: religion in the American workplace

Abstract: While the relationship between religion and economics has since Max Weber been a classic theme in sociology of religion, the emphasis placed on compartmentalization in much sociological research on...

Extending the conversation: a network analysis of academic associations in workplace spirituality

Abstract: Examining academic networks provides insight into boundaries and boundary crossing as well as knowledge diffusion We examine four academic networks focused on business, spirituality, and religion to identify network boundaries and boundary crossing Scholars tend to align with networks consistent with the nature of their employing institution, both in its relative emphasis on research and its religious affiliation Network and religious differences contribute to the relative isolation of research communities, despite shared topical interests and reliance on similar scholarly sources The use of normative authorities may limit networking, but the relative absence of weak network links across networks may underestimate similarities Increased boundary crossing may enhance innovation across networks

Virtuous leadership made manifest through education-focused philanthropy: an introduction

Abstract: In this issue of the Journal of Management, Spirituality & Religion, we are delighted to introduce the second article in the new Invited Features category. In coming issues, we plan for contributions in this category to span a variety of formats ranging from scholarly articles to engaging practical essays. Here, we introduce an interview-based article that examines theory through the lens of practice. Specifically, distinguished researchers Craig L. Pearce and Mihalyi Csikszentmihalyi explore the virtuous leadership practices of prominent international businessman Hüsnü Özyeğin of FIBA Holding. In “Virtuous Leadership Revisited” Pearce and Csikszentmihalyi build on their previous groundbreaking article “Virtuous Leadership: A Theoretical Model and Research Agenda” that appeared in JMSR in 2006 (Pearce et al. 2006) by re-examining the model and propositions they proposed in relation to this exemplary case. The topic of virtue is highly relevant to the publishing domain of JMSR. Pearce and Csikszentmihalyi explore virtue in relation to leadership, especially focused on the cutting edge leadership perspective of shared leadership. Combining insights from the seminal work on Positive Psychology of Csikszentmihalyi and his colleagues (Csikszentmihalyi 1990, Seligman and Csikszentmihalyi 2000) and of Pearce and his colleagues on shared leadership (Conger and Pearce 2003) their article creates a potent perspective for exploring virtue in leadership practice. In addition, the case of Hüsnü Özyeğin, a highly successful entrepreneur and the wealthiest person in Turkey, provides an insightful vehicle for examining how many of the authors’ ideas can be manifested in the actual practices of an influential business leader. Philanthropy and education can be powerful vehicles for fostering virtue when they are generously supported by financial resources resulting from organizational success. Özyeğin has already contributed hundreds of millions of dollars to support education in his country, including funding many high schools for girls and founding a university, and he has plans to contribute even more in the future. This is in stark contrast to the kind of self-focused corruption and malfeasance displayed by so many business executives in recent years that inspired Pearce and Csikszentmihalyi to originally write about virtuous leadership. In this new article, the authors effectively review the highlights of the vision they laid out for virtuous leadership in their 2006 article. Then, they bring their ideas to life and perform a kind of initial test of their proposed virtuous leadership model via the case they present. Ultimately, Pearce and