Growing from the Inside Out : An Exploratory Investigation Into the Construct – Spirituality

Authors

  •   Tapas Bantha Full-Time Research Scholar, School of Management, Centurion University of Technology and Management, At-R. Sitapur, Post-Paralakhemundi, Dist-Gajapati - 761 211, Odisha
  •   Tapan Kumar Panda Director, Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Plot No. B4, Green Industrial Park, Polepally SEZ, TSIIC, Jadcherla, Mahbubnagar, Dist. Telangana - 509 301
  •   Sanjeev P. Sahni Principal Director, Jindal Institute of Behavioural Sciences (JIBS), O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat - 131 001, Haryana

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17010/pijom/2021/v14i4/158722

Keywords:

Spirituality

, Professionals, Qualitative Research, Thematic Map, Laws of Nature.

JEL Classification

, I31, Z10, Z12.

Paper Submission Date

, July 14, 2020, Paper Sent Back for Revision, January 10, 2021, Paper Acceptance Date, February 18, Paper Published Online, April 15, 2021.

Abstract

Our quest for understanding the universe and laws associated with it has driven civilization to a realization that laws of nature, the supreme, and growing from the inside out is the real education that one can have. Growing from inside out is the path of spirituality that each one pursues. This research paper made a humble attempt towards examining the nature and meaning of the notion ‘spirituality’ and individual metaphors people hold towards it across professions. We used qualitative data for exploring the concept of spirituality among the professionals from various professions. This exploratory study led to 15 propositions. The thematic map presented in this paper helped in developing propositions for studying the complex, abstract, and abstruse concept of spirituality.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biography

Tapas Bantha, Full-Time Research Scholar, School of Management, Centurion University of Technology and Management, At-R. Sitapur, Post-Paralakhemundi, Dist-Gajapati - 761 211, Odisha

ORCID iD : 0000-0003-2671-0388

Downloads

Published

2021-04-30

How to Cite

Bantha, T., Panda, T. K., & Sahni, S. P. (2021). Growing from the Inside Out : An Exploratory Investigation Into the Construct – Spirituality. Prabandhan: Indian Journal of Management, 14(4), 8–21. https://doi.org/10.17010/pijom/2021/v14i4/158722

Issue

Volume 14, Issue 4, April 2021

Section

Articles
Crossref
Scopus
Google Scholar
Europe PMC

References

Alok, K. (2017). SÄttvika leadership: An Indian model of positive leadership. Journal of Business Ethics, 142(1), 117–138. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-015-2790-2

Anderson, R. C., & Grunert, B. K. (1997). A cognitive behavioral approach to the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder after work-related trauma. Professional Safety, 42(11), 39–42.

Battista, J., & Almond, R. (1973). The development of meaning in life. Psychiatry, 36(4), 409–427. https://doi.org/10.1080/00332747.1973.11023774

Becker, T. E. (1998). Integrity in organizations: Beyond honesty and conscientiousness. Academy of Management Review, 23(1), 154–161. https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.1998.192969

Benefiel, M., Fry, L. W., & Geigle, D. (2014). Spirituality and religion in the workplace : History, theory, and research. Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, 6(3), 175–187. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0036597

Bouckaert, L., & Zsolnai, L. (2012). Spirituality and business : An interdisciplinary overview. Society and Economy, 34(3), 489–514. https://doi.org/10.1556/socec.34.2012.3.8

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

Brillhart, B. (2005). A study of spirituality and life satisfaction among persons with spinal cord injury. Rehabilitation Nursing, 30(1), 31–34. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2048-7940.2005.tb00353.x

Brown, A. D., & Lewis, M. A. (2011). Identities, discipline and routines. Organization Studies, 32(7), 871–895. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F0170840611407018

Bruce, A., Sheilds, L., & Molzahn, A. (2011). Language and the (im) possibilities of articulating spirituality. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 29(1), 44–52. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F0898010110381116

Butts, D. (1999). Spirituality at work : An overview. Journal of Organizational Change Management, 12(4), 328–332. https://doi.org/10.1108/09534819910282162

Carp, F. M., & Christensen, D. L. (1986). Older women living alone : Technical environmental assessment of psychological well-being. Research on Aging, 8(3), 407–425. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F0164027586008003004

Chan, C. L., Ng, S. M., Ho, R. T., & Chow, A. Y. (2006). East meets West : Applying Eastern spirituality in clinical practice. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 15(7), 822–832. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365 2702.2006.01649.x

Clarke, J. (2009). A critical view of how nursing has defined spirituality. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 18(12), 1666–1673. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2702.2008.02707.x

Cooper, C. L., & Cartwright, S. (1994). Healthy mind ; healthy organization–A proactive approach to occupational stress. Human Relations, 47(4), 455–471. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F001872679404700405

Damiano, R.F., Peres, M.F., & Sena, M. A. (2019) Conceptualizing spirituality and religiousness. In, G. Lucchetti, M. Prieto Peres, & R. Damiano (eds.), Spirituality, religiousness and health. Religion, spirituality and health : A social scientific approach (Vol. 4). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030 21221-6_1

Danna, K., & Griffin, R. W. (1999). Health and well-being in the workplace: A review and synthesis of the literature. Journal of Management, 25(3), 357–384. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F014920639902500305

Davis, M. H. (1983). Measuring individual differences in empathy : Evidence for a multidimensional approach. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 44(1), 113–126. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/0022-3514.44.1.113

Dhand, A. (2002). The Dharma of ethics, the ethics of Dharma : Quizzing the ideals of Hinduism. Journal of Religious Ethics, 30(3), 347–372. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9795.00113

Diener, E., & Biswas-Diener, R. (2011). Happiness: Unlocking the mysteries of psychological wealth. John Wiley & Sons.

Diener, E., & Tov, W. (2007). Subjective well - being and peace. Journal of Social Issues, 63(2), 421–440. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4560.2007.00517.x

Dumas, C., & Blodgett, M. (1999). Articulating values to inform decision making : Lessons from family firms around the world. International Journal of Value-Based Management, 12(3), 209–221. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1007764112498

Freeman, A. (1998). Spirituality, well-being, and ministry. Journal of Pastoral Care, 52(1), 7–17. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F002234099805200103

Gall, T. L., Malette, J., & Guirguis-Younger, M. (2011). Spirituality and religiousness : A diversity of definitions. Journal of Spirituality in Mental Health, 13(3), 158–181. https://doi.org/10.1080/19349637.2011.593404

Gavin, H. (2008). Thematic analysis. In, Understanding research methods and statistics in psychology (pp. 273–281). SAGE Publications. https://www.doi.org/10.4135/9781446214565

George, A. P., & Alex, N. J. (2013). Impact of workplace spirituality on corporate financial performance. Prabandhan: Indian Journal of Management, 6(9), 5–15. https://doi.org/10.17010/pijom/2013/v6i9/60026

George, L. K., Larson, D. B., Koenig, H. G., & McCullough, M. E. (2000). Spirituality and health: What we know, what we need to know. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 19(1), 102–116. https://doi.org/10.1521/jscp.2000.19.1.102

Giacalone, R. A., & Jurkiewicz, C. L. (2003). Right from wrong : The influence of spirituality on perceptions of unethical business activities. Journal of Business Ethics, 46, 85-97. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1024767511458

Guest, G., MacQueen, K. M., & Namey, E. E. (2012). Introduction to applied thematic analysis. In, Applied thematic analysis (pp. 3–20). SAGE Publications. https://www.doi.org/10.4135/9781483384436

Hannah, S. T., Walumbwa, F. O., & Fry, L. W. (2011). Leadership in action teams: Team leader and members’ authenticity, authenticity strength, and team outcomes. Personnel Psychology, 64(3), 771–802. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1744-6570.2011.01225.x

Harlos, K. P. (2000). Toward a spiritual pedagogy : Meaning, practice, and applications in management education. Journal of Management Education, 24(5), 612–627. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F105256290002400506

Heyler, S. G., Armenakis, A. A., Walker, A. G., & Collier, D. Y. (2016). A qualitative study investigating the ethical decision making process : A proposed model. The Leadership Quarterly, 27(5), 788–801. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.leaqua.2016.05.003

Hindu Janajagruti Samiti. (n.d.). Home page. https://www.hindujagruti.org/

Jacob, M., & Guarnaccia, V. (1997). Motivational and behavioral correlates of life satisfaction in an elderly sample. Psychological Reports, 80(3), 811–818. https://doi.org/10.2466%2Fpr0.1997.80.3.811

Jones, T. M. (1991). Ethical decision making by individuals in organizations : An issue-contingent model. Academy of Management Review, 16(2), 366–395. https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.1991.4278958

Kallio, H., Pietilä, A. M., Johnson, M., & Kangasniemi, M. (2016). Systematic methodological review : Developing a framework for a qualitative semi - structured interview guide. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 72(12), 2954–2965. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.13031

Kellner, B. (2010). Self-awareness (svasaṃvedana) in DignÄga’s PramÄṇasamuccaya and - vá¹›tti : A close reading. Journal of Indian Philosophy, 38(3), 203–231. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10781-010-9091-y

Kernis, M. H., & Goldman, B. M. (2006). A multicomponent conceptualization of authenticity : Theory and research. In, Advances in Experimental Social Psychology (Vol. 38, pp. 283–357). Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0065-2601(06)38006-9

King, L. A., Hicks, J. A., Krull, J. L., & Del Gaiso, A. K. (2006). Positive affect and the experience of meaning in life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 90(1), 179–196. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022 3514.90.1.179

King, U. (1993). Women and spirituality: Voices of protest and promise. Macmillan International Higher Education.

Krishnakumar, S., & Neck, C. P. (2002). The “whatâ€, “why†and “how†of spirituality in the workplace. Journal of Managerial Psychology, 17(3), 153–164. https://doi.org/10.1108/02683940210423060

Kwan, V. S., Bond, M. H., & Singelis, T. M. (1997). Pancultural explanations for life satisfaction : Adding relationship harmony to self-esteem. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 73(5), 1038–1051. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/0022-3514.73.5.1038

Macquarrie J. (1972). Paths in spirituality. Harper & Row Publishers.

Mahadevan, B. (2013). Spirituality in business : Sparks from the Anvil : In conversation with Suresh Hundre, Chairman and MD, Polyhydron Pvt. Ltd. IIMB Management Review, 25(2), 91–103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iimb.2013.03.002

Martsolf, D. S., & Mickley, J. R. (1998). The concept of spirituality in nursing theories : Differing world - views and extent of focus. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 27(2), 294–303. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365 2648.1998.00519.x

McSherry, W., & Cash, K. (2004). The language of spirituality : An emerging taxonomy. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 41(2), 151–161. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0020-7489(03)00114-7

Miller, W. R. (1999). Integrating spirituality into treatment: Resources for practitioners. American Psychological Association.

Mitroff, I. I., & Denton, E. A. (1999). A study of spirituality in the workplace. MIT Sloan Management Review, 40(4), 83–92.

Myers, D. G., & Diener, E. (1995). Who is happy ? Psychological Science, 6(1), 10–19. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.1995.tb00298.x

Narayanasamy, A. (2004). The puzzle of spirituality for nursing : A guide to practical assessment. British Journal of Nursing, 13(19), 1140–1144. https://doi.org/10.12968/bjon.2004.13.19.16322

Nathan, M. (1997). A study of spiritual care in mental health practice: patients’ and nurses’ perceptions (Doctoral dissertation, MSc thesis). Middlesex University, Enfield.

Nolan, S. (2009). In defence of the indefensible : An alternative to John Paley's reductionist, atheistic, psychological alternative to spirituality. Nursing Philosophy, 10(3), 203–213. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1466 769X.2009.00400.x

Nyström, A., & Andersson - Segesten, K. (1990). Peace of mind as an important aspect of old people's health. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 4(2), 55–62. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-6712.1990.tb00046.x

O’Fallon, M. J., & Butterfield, K. D. (2005). A review of the empirical ethical decision-making literature : 1996–2003. Journal of Business Ethics, 59(4), 375–413. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-005-2929-7

Paul Victor, C. G., & Treschuk, J. V. (2020). Critical literature review on the definition clarity of the concept of faith, religion, and spirituality. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 38(1), 107–113. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F0898010119895368

Payne, D., Raiborn, C., & Askvik, J. (1997). A global code of business ethics. Journal of Business Ethics, 16, 1727–1735. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1005877726316

Pearsall, J. (1995). The Oxford encyclopedic english dictionary. Oxford University Press.

Pesut, B. (2013). Nursings’ need for the idea of spirituality. Nursing Inquiry, 20(1), 5–10. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1800.2012.00608.x

Prabhu, K. N., Rodrigues, L. L., & Kumar, K. R. (2016). Workplace spirituality and team spirit at work : A team-level contextualization of spirituality. Prabandhan : Indian Journal of Management, 9(12), 7–18. https://doi.org/10.17010/pijom/2016/v9i12/107006

Preston, S. D., & De Waal, F. B. (2002). Empathy : Its ultimate and proximate bases. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 25(1), 1–20.

Raiborn, C. A., & Payne, D. (1990). Corporate codes of conduct : A collective conscience and continuum. Journal of Business Ethics, 9(11), 879–889. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00382911

Reker, G. T., Peacock, E. J., & Wong, P. T. (1987). Meaning and purpose in life and well-being : A life-span perspective. Journal of Gerontology, 42(1), 44–49. https://doi.org/10.1093/geronj/42.1.44

Røysamb, E., Tambs, K., Reichborn-Kjennerud, T., Neale, M. C., & Harris, J. R. (2003). Happiness and health : Environmental and genetic contributions to the relationship between subjective well-being, perceived health, and somatic illness. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 85(6), 1136–1146. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.85.6.1136

Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2001). On happiness and human potentials : A review of research on hedonic and eudaimonic well-being. Annual Review of Psychology, 52, 141–166. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.psych.52.1.141

Sandelowski, M., & Barroso, J. (2006). Handbook for synthesizing qualitative research. Springer Publishing Company.

Schwartz, M. S. (2005). Universal moral values for corporate codes of ethics. Journal of Business Ethics, 59(1–2), 27–44. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-005-3403-2

Senreich, E. (2013). An inclusive definition of spirituality for social work education and practice. Journal of Social Work Education, 49(4), 548–563. https://doi.org/10.1080/10437797.2013.812460

Shivdas, A., & Chandrasekhar, J. (2016). Sustainability through frugal innovations : An application of Indian spiritual wisdom. Prabandhan : Indian Journal of Management, 9(5), 7–23. https://doi.org/10.17010/pijom/2016/v9i5/92567

Sinha, J. B. (2002). A cultural frame for understanding organisational behaviour. Psychology and Developing Societies, 14(1), 155–166. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F097133360201400108

Sulmasy, D. P. (2002). A biopsychosocial-spiritual model for the care of patients at the end of life. The Gerontologist, 42(suppl_3), 24–33. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/42.suppl_3.24

Thornborrow, T., & Brown, A. D. (2009). ‘Being regimented’ : Aspiration, discipline and identity work in the British Parachute Regiment. Organization Studies, 30(4), 355–376. https://doi.org/10.1177/0170840608101140

Trevino, L. K. (1986). Ethical decision making in organizations: A person-situation interactionist model. Academy of Management Review, 11(3), 601–617. https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.1986.4306235

Treviño, L. K., Butterfield, K. D., & McCabe, D. L. (2001). The ethical context in organizations: Influences on employee attitudes and behaviors. In, J. Dienhart, D. Moberg, & R. Duska (eds.), The next phase of business ethics: Integrating psychology and ethics (Research in ethical issues in organizations, Vol. 3, pp. 301–337). Emerald Group Publishing Limited. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1529-2096(01)03018-8

Vago, D. R., & Silbersweig, D. A. (2012). Self-awareness, self-regulation, and self-transcendence (S-ART): A framework for understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of mindfulness. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 6(1), 1–30. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2012.00296

Van den Bosch, R., & Taris, T. W. (2014). The authentic worker's well-being and performance: The relationship between authenticity at work, well-being, and work outcomes. The Journal of Psychology, 148(6), 659–681. https://doi.org/10.1080/00223980.2013.820684

Vaughan, F. (1991). Spiritual issues in psychotherapy. Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, 23(2), 105–119.

Wagner - Marsh, F., & Conley, J. (1999). The fourth wave : The spiritually - based firm. Journal of Organizational Change Management, 12(4), 292–302. https://doi.org/10.1108/09534819910282135

Warren, R. (2012). The purpose driven life : What on earth am I here for ? Zondervan.

Wood, A. M., Linley, P. A., Maltby, J., Baliousis, M., & Joseph, S. (2008). The authentic personality : A theoretical and empirical conceptualization and the development of the Authenticity Scale. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 55(3), 385–389. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/0022-0167.55.3.385