Measuring Workplace Spirituality Through Yoga : Implications for HR and Leadership
Authors
-
Akashdeep Joshi
Assistant Professor (Corresponding Author), Mittal School of Business, Lovely Professional University, GT Road, Phagwara - 144 411, Punjab
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6445-6651
- Dinesh Kumar Assistant Professor, Woxsen University, Kamkole, Sadasivpet, Hyderabad - 502 345, Telangana
- Shabnam Research Scholar, Mittal School of Business, Lovely Professional University, GT Road, Phagwara - 144 411, Punjab
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17010/pijom/2025/v18i7/174563Keywords:
workplace spirituality, yoga, spirituality in Indian context, scale development.JEL Classification Codes: J0, J4, M1, M5, Z1
Publication Chronology: Paper Submission Date : September 15, 2024 ; Paper sent back for Revision : May 5, 2025 ; Paper Acceptance Date : June 20, 2025 ; Paper Published Online : July 15, 2025
Abstract
Purpose : The study developed and validated a scale to measure workplace spirituality in the Indian context, drawing upon the four classical paths of Yoga—Karma, Bhakti, Raja, and Jnana Yoga.
Methodology : A mixed-methods approach, incorporating a literature review, expert insights, and quantitative analysis, was employed to design and validate the scale. The scale was validated using responses from 232 bank employees in the Delhi/NCR region. This study also investigated the impact of the scale on organizational commitment, work-life balance, and job satisfaction using SEM through AMOS 23.
Findings : The scale demonstrated reliability, with Cronbach’s alpha values ranging from 0.933 to 0.837. Furthermore, confirmatory factor analysis conducted on the scale showed satisfactory results. SEM model testing revealed that Karma Yoga was the strongest predictor of outcome variables, explaining 59% of the variance in these variables, followed by Raja Yoga, which had a significant impact on all variables (41%). Bhakti Yoga was found to have a significant impact on both affective commitment and job satisfaction (5%), while Jnana Yoga was observed to have a significant negative effect on outcome variables (–16%).
Practical Implications : The scale can help managers evaluate and support employees' spiritual well-being, particularly in the Indian context, leading to improved organizational performance and the cultivation of values-based leadership.
Originality : By operationalizing different yoga paths, the study addressed a critical measurement gap and provided insights into workplace spirituality from an Indian perspective.
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