Two approaches to workplace spirituality facilitation: a comparison and implications

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to outline and compare two approaches to workplace spirituality facilitation and to derive conclusions and suggest implications for research and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The article uses two real‐life descriptions from the existing literature to outline two approaches to workplace spirituality facilitation. It outlines similarities and differences between them. It also compares them on key features and outlines their implications and complementarities. Based on this, it describes conclusions and implications for research and practice.

Findings

The paper finds that the first approach, with its starting point of organizational spiritual values and emphasis on organizational processes to facilitate the transmission of these values, can be identified as an organization‐focused approach. At the centre of the second approach is a program for transformation or spiritual development of individual employees.

Research limitations/implications

Inputs from the present paper will help future research to specify: comprehensive classifications – typologies and taxonomies – of various types of approaches to workplace spirituality facilitation; and new theories of workplace spirituality facilitation.

Practical implications

The paper can inform workplace spirituality implementation efforts in organizations.

Originality/value

Theory development in workplace spirituality is at a formative stage. Thus, various inputs, outlined in the research implications part of the paper, for further theory development will be a valuable contribution to workplace spirituality research.

Citation

Shankar Pawar, B. (2008), "Two approaches to workplace spirituality facilitation: a comparison and implications", Leadership & Organization Development Journal, Vol. 29 No. 6, pp. 544-567. https://doi.org/10.1108/01437730810894195