Pathfinders and trailblazers: Exploring the territory of spirituality in organizations

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address a number of significant field‐shaping questions faced by scholars in the burgeoning new field of spirituality in organizations. How should spirituality in organizations be defined? What correlation can be established between an organization's spirituality and its financial performance? What research methods are most appropriate for this work – quantitative, qualitative, a combination of the two, or entirely new methods? The answers given to these questions will determine the shape of this new field and the direction research will take over the next several decades.

Design/methodology/approach

These questions are addressed by mapping the terrain of current spirituality in organizations scholarship, examining trails being blazed by pioneers venturing into this new territory, and then broadening the boundaries.

Findings

This article articulates academic challenges facing scholars who wish to continue to broaden the boundaries of research into spirituality in organizations, and suggests some ways forward.

Originality/value

The paper offers insights into the pioneers who are blazing trails in the spirituality and organizations terrain.

Citation

Benefiel, M. (2007), "Pathfinders and trailblazers: Exploring the territory of spirituality in organizations", Managerial Finance, Vol. 33 No. 12, pp. 947-956. https://doi.org/10.1108/03074350710831729