Abstract
Recent interest in the subject of workplace spirituality and leadership emphasizes the integrative potential of spirituality in the workplace as a means of increasing cohesiveness and leadership effectiveness. Relatively little attention has, so far, been devoted to how spirituality could act as a force of developing leadership effectiveness within organizations. Since workplace spirituality and leadership together are in a developing phase of postmodern discourse, the bridge between the two needs to be narrowed down by identifying the reasons for the evident disconnection between workplace outcomes and leadership spirituality and probing possible moderators and mediators of this relationship. The chapter encapsulates the existing research evidence on spirituality and leadership effectiveness to identify the future research agenda in the area. The review reveals that workplace spirituality and leadership share a significant positive relationship and that improving the core areas of spirituality can improve various dimensions of leadership.
TopIntroduction
While spirituality is an emerging concept, leadership has been put through cyclical empirical research, focusing on traits, behaviors, styles, power, and situations. In the earlier phases of leadership development, spirituality was distinguished as too ambiguous and personal to be regarded as a vital factor of leadership (Tomlinson, 2013). There existed very little research to empirically support the contribution of spiritual elements to leadership effectiveness (Dougherty, 2011). However, as leadership theory and practice progressed through different phases of the business environment, new research themes surfaced that gave due consideration to the spiritual dimension of the workforce and viewed leadership as the materialized dimension of a leader's spirituality (Fairholm, 1998). The present era of research marks the beginning of exploring the qualities of spiritual leadership and its association with numerous organizational outcomes (Giacalone et al., 2005; Malone & Fry, 2003; Townsend & Wichern, 1984). Since leaders tend to influence their followers, for this reason, leaders need to gain knowledge of their values, beliefs, strengths, and shortcomings which may otherwise act as a barrier to leadership (Macon Sr, 2014; Sorvaag, 2007). In this way, spiritual behavior among the individuals along with their leadership practices becomes much more evident, thereby making spiritually attuned practices flourish.
Although spirituality, through such research streams, has been linked to a fundamental characteristic of being human, it shows the integration of spirituality into the leadership research agenda through various dimensions remains yet to be explored fully (Padayachee, 2010). In essence, research is needed to analyze the relationship between spirituality and leadership effectiveness and whether spirituality plays any significant role in upholding effectiveness in leadership roles and practices. Building on the research on these primary constructs, the present study strives to understand better the role that spirituality plays in guiding leadership effectiveness. Apart from the research domain, the employers, employees, and other stakeholders and their recognition for morally upright leaders add to the significance of conducting this research. The importance of this study lies in the fact that its findings espouse spiritually informed leadership and give way to robust and resilient leadership practices (Richardson, 2009). It signals the value of consciousness and the ways to find meaning and purpose in life. Moreover, it relates this perspective to gaining inner peace, tranquility, confidence, and perseverance during times of stress, chaos, and organizational dysfunction pertinent to leadership (Ruiz, 2005).
Though many studies assert a strong connection between spirituality and leadership, others treat both individualized concepts (Dent et al., 2005). It is because of the inconsistency and inadequate consideration for the measurement and analysis concerning spirituality and leadership. This lack of consistency has been attributed to the concept and measurement being different and the presence of uncontrolled variables (if any) that are likely to affect this relation (Ali & Zaky, 2018). As such, gaining a broader understanding of how they correlate may help amplify the individuals' general welfare, workplace, and society. Therefore, scrutinizing the relation of workplace spirituality and leadership further still needs consideration. Accordingly, the present chapter seeks to examine specific links between them.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Religiosity: Human functioning is comprised of non-ordinary experiences which alter one's sense of self and relationship to others and the world as well as the beliefs, attitudes, behaviors, and lifestyle practices that are associated with such experiences.
Leadership: A collaborative endeavor of mindful behavior, actions, and spiritual orientation that inspires, unites, and empowers the individuals, fosters positive changes and developments, transforms workplaces, and improves the quality of life while working towards the achievement of mutual goals and aspirations.
Spiritual Leader: A leader who consciously takes care of both the Creator and the created. One who holds firmly to spiritual beliefs and manifests such views in his/her leadership behaviors and practices by integrating spirituality with the leadership in the workplace.
Workplace: A place where people work, such as an office or factory. A workplace can be outdoors among nature, inside an office, or a virtual one, allowing people to work remotely. Productive workplaces possess an efficient and positive work environment. Understanding what a workplace is and how to create a spiritually productive work environment are important for leadership effectiveness in organizations.
Leadership Effectiveness: Ability to develop a clear and compelling vision, communicating that vision with clarity to the employee groups and teams in different positions, engaging in productive and ethical exchange with internal and external stakeholders to negotiate and resolve conflicts for delivering on the vision.
Spirituality: A complex domain of human functioning that is comprised of non-ordinary experiences which alter one's sense of self and relationship to others and the world as well as the beliefs, attitudes, behaviors, and lifestyle practices that are associated with such experiences.