Spiritual Organanisation Marguerite Theron2

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The Spiritual Organisation
Marguerite Theron
22/10/2009

The purpose of the spiritual organisation
“The purpose of the spiritual organisation is to support the spiritual development of employees, customers and other stakeholders and for the organisation to be an agent of change for positive good in the world “(Harman in Neal & Biberman, 2004:7).
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Definitions
Spirit
breath, vitality, life force of individuals
Atmosphere place and effect on people
Vitality and mood of group
Spirit at work
individual experience – employees passion, energy
group culture – trust, cohesiveness, fairness
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Definition of Spirituality
Spirituality is the answer to the questions what do you believe in and what do you think life is all about? (Bennet, 2001:164)
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Existentialism
New age mysticism
Metaphysics
Universal morality
Interfaith dialogue

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Table 1: Clusters of terms identified in definitions of spirituality
Source:Hicks, 2002:387

Definition of Spirituality
3 main themes:
Energy force or life force
Sense of unity with the universe
Meaning in life
(De Klerk, 2005:69)
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Organisational Spirituality

An organisation can be regarded as being spiritual when it “recognizes that employees have an inner life that nourishes and is nourished by meaningful work that takes place in the context of community” (Ashmos & Duchon, 2000:134).

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Spirituality at work
Definition:
“The search for spiritual wholeness within the context of the workplace. It involves seeking to discover one’s true self, higher life purpose and meaning through one’s work activities and roles”
Coetzee & Roythorne-Jacobs, 2007:201
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Relationshipwith other constructs: culture, religion, mysticism

Spirituality vs. Religion
Spirituality
Religion
Belief within all individuals
Internal focus
Goal: determine common principles, values and ethics
Beliefs about what is Good, True and Beautiful
Unites people
Expressly stated; organized belief system
External focus, formal structure
Goal : salvation through one truth; one right way
Differentiates between groups of people who believe that only their Truth is absolute
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Adapted from Hicks (2002:380-382 ); Mitchell & Denton (1999:83-92) and Pursig (1974: 362).

Spirituality and Religion:what do they have in common?
Beliefs about purpose and meaning
Underlying principle of hope and faith
Non-material ; beyond the physical
Transcends time
Service to others; community with others, betterment of society
Limit greed: money and power
Beliefs guide decision making
Ethics and values
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Sources: Bavister & Vickers, 2008:242; Bennett, 2001:164-166; Hicks, 2002:380-382; Mitroff & Dentron, 1999:89-90

Relationship with other constructs:ethics and values
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Beliefs, that which is important or esteemed
Doing the right thing: moral choices
Spiritual leaders demonstrate ethical behaviour and authentic expression of spiritual values

Spiritual values of leaders
compassion , forgiveness, hope, perseverance (Dalai Lama, 1996:64)
integrity and honesty (Neal, 1997:121, Reave, 2005)
respect for others, humility.Reave, 2005
altruistic love ; community well-being (Fry & Slocum, 2008, 89; Mbon, 1991:108)
Affiliative values: self respect; personal growth; responsibility; social rights; purposeful living; self discipline; personal integrity; fairness/justice; self-acceptance (Coetzee & Roythone-Jacobs, 2007:202)
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Models of Spirituality in Organisations
Chick Fil –A
YMCA (evangelism to general service -1877)
12 Step AA ideology and principles (1935)
Medicins Sans Frontiers
Johnson & Johnson
Religious based
Evolutionary organisation
Recovery based organisation
Socially Responsible
Values based organisation
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Mitroff & Denton, 1999:83

What triggers a move towards a more spiritual organisation?
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Why bring spirituality to work?
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Why bring spirituality to work?
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Integrated performance and Spirituality
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We all have a moral duty to ensure that whatever we do today doesn’t compromise the needs of those who come after us. None of us is the owner of this Earth. We are all caretakers, and transient at that.” King & Lessidrenska, 2009:4
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Implications of spirituality at work – the individual level
Communicate honestly, act ethically
Recognize multiple employee commitments
Spirituality and religion part of cultural diversity – respect and understanding
Develop employees professionally and personally
identify their own individual values;
Develop Emotional Intelligence
Develop Spiritual Intelligence
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Implications of spirituality at work – the individual level cont.
Appreciation for individual and their contribution
Manage ethically and impartially
Promote workplace wellness – incl. physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness
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Implications of spirituality at work – the group level
Promote understanding, tolerance and acceptance of diversity (Hicks, 2002:380)
Promote interpersonal experience: sense of connection to others and common purpose
Encourage and explore values of affiliation and altruistic love
Consider group rituals that enhance spirituality (Raelin, 2006:68)
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Implications of spirituality at work – the group level cont.
Examples of group rituals:
Meaning-making “What do we plan to care about?” (Raelin, 2006:68)
Contemplation practices such as reflective dialogue, cycles of action and reflection, council circle (Duerr,2004:50)
Team based community upliftment or environmental care activities (Kinjersky & Skrypnek, 2004:28)
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Implications of spirituality at work – the organisation level
Spiritual leadership
Value statement and mission
From values to action
HR policies and procedures (congruence, authenticity, consistency)
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Spiritual Organanisation Marguerite Theron2

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