“Spirit or soul at work”: Myth or dependable reality

Abstract

This text examined extant literature on the socio-psychological construct of “spirit at work”, for organization-man, popularized as workplace spirituality to ascertain its dependable reality or otherwise. The paper critically reviews various scholars’ views regarding work-place spirituality by giving deep insight into the theoretical underpinnings of spirituality and distinguishing between spirituality and religion. The review of literature makes the following expositions: first, two main theoretical perspectives namely: the intrinsic-origin view (inner search for meaning) and the existential perspective (search for meaningful life and values), give rise to the hybridized perspective that conceptualizes spirituality on the dimensions of self- transcendence, interconnectedness, sense of purpose, and ultimate concern. The other perspective is the ambit that views spirituality through the lens of spirituality leadership for spiritual survival in the leadership and followership continuum. Second, a distinction between spirituality and religion was made. However, the point of emphasis is that the two concepts are interrelated and complimentary in nature; thirdly, Spirit at work manifests as a result of the interactions of personal and integrated factors. Finally, an avalanche of empirical-based individual (micro) and organizational (macro) level benefits associated with the construct were extensively examined and highlighted. In view of the foregoing therefore, we are inclined to infer that spirit at work appears a dependable reality. Some review implications are presented.

Keywords

• Spirit at work
• Spirituality
• Myth
• Reality
• Religion