The role of spirituality in business education
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to argue that there is a strong imbalance in business education between providing abstract, rational concepts and opportunities for personal growth. Introducing spirituality in business education seems to be desirable if we want to prepare students for the complexities and challenges of the workplace today.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper gives an example of how techniques from voice and drama therapy can be used for enabling students to look beyond the rational and the material.
Findings
By engaging with their “true self”, students may discover dormant qualities in themselves and start to find their purpose, meaning and spirituality.
Originality/value
The paper shows that by introducing some new approaches in business education, we can provide opportunities for students to connect their rational thoughts with conscience and the “true self”. When students make an integrated use of our mental, emotional and spiritual resources, they are better equipped to make complex decisions and behave ethically in the workplace and in their personal lives.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Katalin Illes’ contribution is based on her presentation entitled “Connecting Rationality and Spirituality in Business Education” at The Spiritual Challenge in Management: What is to be done? Conference held at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore in January 9-11, 2013. Laszlo Zsolnai’s contribution was developed under his research affiliate contract with the Canon Chair of ESC Rennes Business School.
Citation
Illes, K. and Zsolnai, L. (2015), "The role of spirituality in business education", Society and Business Review, Vol. 10 No. 1, pp. 67-75. https://doi.org/10.1108/SBR-07-2014-0034
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited