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THE INEVITABLE ROLE OF SPIRITUALITY IN THE WORKPLACE

Luidolf Bosch (D. sc. agr.)

Abstract
It is a telling fact that in the literature on the issue of leadership in management has become a central focus of concern in the nexus of contemporary management studies. Leaders are beginning to understand more fully the full impact that their behavior has on others, on organizations and the sustainability of the planet. The purpose of this study is to use qualitative rather than quantitative methods and procedures to explore this subject. Whilst quantitative measure have been used in the literature and research, yet a qualitative approach allows the more subjective and introspective aspects to be communicated in research and analysis.

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Introduction
Contemporary management theory and practice has in recent years taken cognizance of a new trajectory in management and workplace theoretical perspectives. This refers to the perceived increasing importance of research into the various aspects and dimensions of spirituality in the business world and the workplace. Issues such as learning and leadership in the workplace has been enhanced and expanded upon by numerous research studies, which have been particularly focused on the interrelationships between aspects of spirituality and the meaning of work. (Howard, 2002) As Howard (2002) states: Recently, the term spirituality has gained greater currency in organization and management development circles (p.230). Therefore, the study of spirituality in the workplace is no longer seen as a peripheral concern in management praxis but rather as a subject that can throw considerable light and understanding on managerial issues and the process of leadership, as well as on learning processes in the workplace and organization. Furthermore, the study of spirituality has begun to be seen as an indispensable part of managerial and organizational success. Howard (2002) goes on to the state that there is an explosion of interest in spirituality as a new dimension of management (Howard, 2002, p. 230). On the other hand, that problematic of this area of research must also be borne in mind. The study of workplace spirituality is a provocative and sensitive issue that needs to be studied indepth and understood in terms of its impact, relevance and practical significance in the working environment. This paper will provide an overview of the various aspects and components of this study and will deal briefly with the theoretical

as well as practical issues surrounding the topic of spirituality in the workplace.

Background
In essence, workers are an integral part to the part of a management system. Thus, a leaders decisions or actions in the workplace might positively or negatively impact a workers living conditions, health, culture, and personality. Theorists in the field have realized that in order to maximize a leaders decision-making effectiveness in organizations, leaders need to evaluate and be aware of the perceptions of workers as well as their own perceptions of their inner spirit, moral values, and desires. Essential to the background on any study on spirituality in the workplace is that, in the context of spiritual leadership, positive attitudes and behaviors might contribute to healthy organizations. A central aspect that underlies this topic is the meaning of spirituality and its significance in terms of business. The terms business and spirituality have generally in the past been seen to refer to very different and even opposed worldviews. However, as this thesis will illustrate, there have been an increasing number of studies and reports dealing with the intersection between business and spirituality, which is the focus of the present thesis. In terms of a rather simplistic definition of the term spirituality, this concept can be seen as a non-rational aspect of existential life which includes emotions, feelings and intellectual components that provide meaning to the life world of the individual. While it is strictly outside the ambit of this thesis to discuss the immense theological and philosophical dimensions of the meaning of spirituality, yet it is important to understand this need for meaning and signification that spirituality often provides

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in the life of an individual, and by implication the worker, as being a central aspect to the background to this study. Explanations of spirituality as a human need necessary for aspects of advancement and learning can also refer to the expression of the hierarchy of human needs, as discussed by Maslow (1970). The study of spirituality in the workplace is also an indicator of the movement in Western thought since the middle of the Twentieth Century away from the dominance of pure materialism and towards a realization in managerial theory and other discourses which emphasize the importance of an unseen order of things behind the veil of materialism (Howard, 2002, p. 321) . The distinction is also made between spirituality per se and religion. It is from this basis that managerial leadership and workplace spirituality can be approached. Furthermore as Moxley (2000) and others have noted, the concept of spirituality is seen to interpenetrate all areas and aspects of life and is also an aspect that has been ascertained as having a profound effect on human interaction and communication. This in turn implies that this social, psychological and metaphysical reality will have an affect in the workplace and needs to be taken into account in research on management aspects, such as learning and staff interaction. In terms of the above points, spirituality has obvious implications for a number of central managerial and leadership criteria that will be explored in this study; this refers to aspects of leadership and management such as morality, stress, and unawareness of human welfare. An example of this aspect is that the literature on organizational and management learning has begun to take greater cognizance of the impact and significance of spirituality in varies aspects relating to management in the workplace. (Howard, 2002, p. 234)

Problem Statement
The problem that forms the foundational trajectory of the research on spirituality in the workplace is reflected in statistics, report and studies which indicate that there is a loss of meaning and a high rate of dissatisfaction among workers in America. For example, Fairholm, (1996) finds that one-fourth of workers in America are highly dissatisfied with their work. Central to this sense of ennui and dissatisfaction is the general loss of faith and direction in some determining and meaningful stratum of reality in the post-capitalist society as a whole. Many contemporary theorists have realized that despite the postmodern references to a deconstruction of hegemonies and a suspicion of master narratives (Howard 2002) there is strong evidence from surveys and research that most individuals in society are in search of spiritual certainties. (Howard 2002) If one translates these larger societal issue and concerns to the level of the individual in the workplace and the problems of management and business, then one finds these issues represented in aspects such as ethical scandals, pressure, and lack of compassion and love from leaders. This lack of spiritual cohesion and a concomitant sense of shared and unified morality can be seen fraud and corruption in business. For example, Grant (2003) stated that fraud in big corporations such as Enron, WorldCom, Global Crossing, and Adelphia caused the stock market crash in October 2002 and led to an elimination of employee retirement accounts. Conner and Douglas (2005) showed that stress can negatively affect the effectiveness of organizations by increasing the number of absentees, turnover, and unpredictable behaviors. This qualitative research study will explore managers perspectives in three problem areas; namely, morality, stress,

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and lack of compassion and love; and discover if spiritual practices help them to lessen these problems. While this study is aimed at contributing towards the general assessment and understanding and relating to the general managerial population and spirituality, the present study is aimed at a specific section of that population within a restricted geographical area. However, it is hoped that the study of this selected population will provide results and data that may be tested against other samples and population groups.

Purpose of this study

It is a telling fact that in the literature on the issue of leadership in management has become a central focus of concern in the nexus of contemporary management studies. As Howard (2002) states: Leaders are beginning to understand more fully the full impact that their behavior has on others, on organizations and the sustainability of the planet ( Howard, 2002, p, 236). The purpose of this study is to use qualitative rather then quantitative methods and procedures to explore this subject. While quantitative measure have been used in the literature and research ( Heaton et al 2004) , yet a qualitative approach allows the more subjective and introspective aspects to be communicated in research and analysis. However, the central reason for using the qualitative approach is that is it more intrinsically suited to the exploration of spirituality as a provides insight into perceptions and feelings that are nonmaterialistic and non-rational. The use of more rational, objectivist and qualitative measure was not deemed suitable to the specific areas of concern of this research: namely to explore the perspective of managers on morality, stress, and unawareness of human welfare, and to

discover the impact of spiritual practices such as mindful meditation, detachment from expectations, and compassion and love on those three areas. In more practical terms the scope of this study will be comprised of face-toface interviews with twenty managerial professionals in commercial aviation services within the western region of Washington State. The purpose of the interview is to establish these participants perspectives on moral values. The interview also focuses on determining the extent to which their spirituality drives their decision-making values and helps them to efficiently connect with people in organizations. The elements or central variables that will be used include the concepts of mindful meditation, detachment from expectations, or compassion and love. In scientific methodological terms, there are some cogent reasons for this approach to the subject of spirituality. There are two central approaches that are most commonly employed in management and business research. Two terms often used to describe the major research approaches to management or organizational research is quantitative and qualitative. Other terms used include functionalist, objectivist or positivist for the former and interpretivist or subjectivist to describe the latter (RESEARCH AND PARADIGMS) It is usually the case that more emphasis is placed on the quantitative approach and the focus on objective techniques of data collection and synthesis. A qualitative research model on the other hand places focus on subjective experiences, perceptions and knowledge in order to shed light on managerial and leadership roles and actions. This approach is therefore more inclined towards sources and data and knowledge that are conditioned by personal mental characteristics or states, and preferring language and description. (RESEARCH AND PARADIGMS)

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The study of perceptions and preconceptions of management and management research play an important role in the choice of method and research. In the case of the present study, the focus in on the perceptions of managers in terms of experiential feeling states and inner perceptions as they relate to external actions, decisions and affects in the workplace. An approach that will develop around personal and intimate interviews with the participants will therefore necessitate methodological criteria that are suitable to qualitative rather than quantitative processes. A cardinal element that has been taken into account is the fact that in quantitative models of research, interdependencies among variables are far more difficult to model and to measure than dependencies. (Mugler) This has led many researchers to realize that quantitative research methods have brought about more insight into what was measurable instead of what was important. (Mugler) This point has been taken into account in the choice of methodology and this study will emphasize the interdependencies in terms of the focus on moral and social perceptions rather than facts; making the qualitative approach a more appropriate point of departure. This methodological stance also applies to the variables that need to be identified and established in this study. These variables include the following general aspects. Firstly, the degree to which the interviewees understand and are familiar with the three central concepts that are being measured. This refers to the three main experiential and theoretical areas of mindful meditation, detachment and compassion and love. The central variable of detachment, for example, has a large number of subcategories and conceptual element that also become variables in the interview situation and in subsequent analysis and response data. These elements

are in turn related to the perceptions of the managers interviews towards the aspects of stress, morality and compassion in the workplace and in leadership situations. Furthermore, an element that is also borne in mind in the research design is the fact that a concept such as detachment is strictly foreign to the Western manager in its spiritual sense and therefore the research design will need to accommodate the issue of the correct perception and understanding of the three main spiritual variables.1 These variables will in turn be related to the sites of moral and ethical perception expressed by the interviewees and particularly to the way that they perceive these main variables in terms of the affect they have on managerial decision, actions and approach. This will also lead to many interrogatives forms of questioning that will attempt to elicit the responses of the participants that can be formalized and logically interpreted.

Significance of the study

In the first instance, the significance of this study builds on the results and the potential for further study that have been revealed in contemporary research. For examples, Fairholms study (1996) indicated that nearly 85% of participants replied yes in response to the question of whether or not leaders spirituality influenced their organizations. Furthermore Novak (1996) suggested that spirituality is needed for business life. In this regard Cavanagh (1999) elaborated, [Spirituality] helps the business person to become more centered on the important things in life: God, family, and a physical world that can be passed on to our children (p. 193). Garcia-Zamor (2003) has observed the awakening of realizing
1

The term detachment will be extensively analyzed and discussed in terms of its Buddhist and Eastern derivations and also in terms of its Western applicability.

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the needs of spirituality in the workplace. In terms of the link between morality with spirituality, Thompson (2004) has stated, Spiritually engaged leadership can build moral solidarity by enabling the integration of intellectual, affective, material, and social elements of collective morality (p. 32). There have also been instances of larger companies and corporations realizing the significance of these studies. For instance Boeing, AT & T, and Ford have developed spiritual training for their executives. The present study intends to contribute to the growing research into this subject area. It intends to do so by focusing in three central areas that have been identified as having significance and ramifications for managerial leadership as well as other business practices. These refer to the spiritual practice of mindful mediation, which has been found to be helpful in terms of making managers aware of the use of present time and immediate reality. Secondly, the concept of detachment is a cardinal and central principle element in the link between spirituality and positive learning and action. In essence detachment is an experiential spiritual mode of understanding which removes the barriers that separate self or ego from reality and the world. This is usually accomplished through forms of mediation leading to insight or, in Buddhist terms, enlightenment or Satori. In this process the perceiver in the spiritual experience of detachment become more aware of others and less distracted by habit energy or habitual modes of experience. (Verluis, 1986) The concept and ideology of detachment also provides managers and workers with a possible spiritual solution in the distancing of the self from desire and greed; in other words detachment as a spiritual philosophy purports to free the sensibility and senses of the individual from illusion and false perceptions. Finally,

compassion and love will assist the manager in focusing on positive behaviors. Together, practicing spirituality in the workplace is seen as one of the central aspects in building effective organizations. Therefore, the significance of this study in terms of the leadership dimension of management lies in the ability of the managers to better ascertain and understand the motivating forces and moral proclivities of their workforce. In a more general sense the significance of a study of this nature lies in lies in the burgeoning field of concern and research into non-materialist implications and considerations that shape the workforce and working environment and which extends the understanding of leadership and management. In essence the significance of this study is to add to the research on the meaning of leadership in a spiritual context. In this sense it is intended to deal with the question of leadership responsibility and the understanding that spirituality affects the practical dimensions of leadership in monument. Numerous studies have been undertaken issues (Howard et all, 2004) aimed at exploring the spiritual aspects and responsibilities in leadership. This study intends to add to this body of knowledge by investigating aspects of leadership morality and sensitivity in the workplace. It has also been noted in the literature that issues relating to compassion and care are still relatively unexplored areas of research and this study intends to make some headway in remedying this situation. There are various aspects that will be explored in this context: including the issue of spirituality and the Zen Buddhist concept of letting be or detachment. These are relatively new areas of discourse especially in the context of management and business leadership research. This also refers to the exploration of the non-dualistic viewpoint

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that emphasizes holism and unity as opposed to the fragmented nature of reality. (Howard 236) A further reason for the importance of this study is that it approaches many essential issues that relate to the entire discipline of leadership and management in a compressive and holistic context. This refers to the idea that a study of this nature increases the possibility of moving towards some comprehensive answers to questions such as; is the way we work and manage our businesses and organizations providing a sense of primary and essential meaning in our lives? Another question that will be addressed within the context of this study reflects on the structure of society and particularly on late capitalistic society in which here has been a loss of meaning This refers to questions such as ; what is the meaning and purpose of work and how can this be better managed to make it more meaningful?

Nature of the Study

The nature of this study is intimately connected to its purpose and significance. It is also concerned with the realization that the manager and leader in contemporary society and in the workplace have a responsibility that extends beyond the routine task of running a business. Taking into account the importance of the manager and business leader in modern industrialized society it stands to reason that their leadership decisions and managerial approach can have a profound effect on the larger society. Therefore the nature of this study and the methods that have been adopted are intended to add to the growing body of knowledge and research on the ways that this process of managerial perception and spirituality in the workplace can be advanced.

It is also important to state at this juncture that to ascertain and take into account the full dimensionality of the emotional and feeling aspects of the spiritual in this research study, it is necessary to use a broader and more flexible qualitative rather than quantitative research procedures and methodologies. The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore managers perspectives on morality, stress, and unawareness of human welfare, and to discover the impact of spiritual practices such as mindful meditation, detachment from expectations, and compassion and love on those three perspectives areas. In this research study, the definitions of mindful meditation, detachment, and compassion and love, are dealt in relation to the following theoretical pointers. Firstly the concept of mindful mediation is discussed by Thich Nhat Hanh (1987), a Vietnamse Buddhist monk and a Zen master, who refers to the term mindfulness as the awareness of present time, that is, keeping ones consciousness alive to the present reality (p. 11) . Research on compassion has a large area of theoretical knowledge that has to be taken into account in the understanding of the term. Solomon (2002) combined feeling and understanding into the meaning of the word compassion. Finally, the word detachment is defined by Kirger and Hanson (1999) as to let thing go. This term is also not unproblematic in its meaning and refers to the central Buddhist view that all reality is an illusion and that attachment to illusions result in false and empty actions. Therefore detachment refers to a letting go of illusionary and false notions or views of reality. There are many corollaries in a modern sense to this view and while this concept may not always be understood or observed in its pure or traditional Buddhist or Zen sense it has received a great amount of attention as a factor in modern society and has also been shown to have an effect on

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contemporary perceptions of the intersection between management in the workplace and spirituality. This study will also determine if these three aspects of spirituality improve managers life, morality, business decisions, leadership values, and interrelation with their employees. The qualitative research design is grounded in theory. This study will use face-to-face interviews with twenty managerial professionals who work in commercial avionics services within the western region of Washington State. With regard to the above and to the choice of a qualitative methods of data collection and research , it is also of important to bear in mind the dominant modes of research which has been used in management research to date. It is also important to take account of the underlying philosophical foundations of the standard research process as it relates to management in order to compare it with the present approach and to stress the significance and functionality of the approach that is being adopted in this study. Essentially conventional management research theory has three foundational levels to the research paradigm. These are the meta-theoretical levels and the philosophical or basic beliefs about the world in which we live. The social level deals with various guidelines dealing with how a researcher should conduct their research. (RESEARCH AND PARADIGMS) Thirdly there is technical or methodological level of paradigm construction. What is of concern here is the foundational or philosophical level which is conventionality divided into five sets of assumption; subjectivist /objectivist dimensions; ontological, epistemological, axiological, methodological assumptions. (RESEARCH AND PARADIGMS) All of these areas have an impact on the

research process. However, central to this thesis in terms of the subject matter under investigation is the epistemological foundations of the understanding of management and leadership within the research context. Epistemology as the investigation of the construction and nature of knowledge is divided into positivist and anti-positivist points of view. (RESEARCH AND PARADIGMS) The positivist stance assumes that true objectivity is possible in research; while the anti - positivist stance suggests that knowledge and understanding is obtained and dependent on an interaction and interdependence between the knower and known. It is this awareness of the interaction suggested by the anti-positivist mode of research that forms the basis of the qualitative approach that is being employed in this research study. This difference is essential in understanding the present research design that is being applied in the analysis the function of spirituality in the workplace. There are also other assumptions within the ambit of the research methodology that have to be taken into account. The distinction between Nomothetic and ideographic approaches is also taken into account in the choice of the methodological foundation. Nomothetic methodology focuses on an examination of regularities and relationships to universal laws, while ideographic approaches centre on reasons why individuals create and interpret their world in a particular way. (Putman, 1983, p. 41). Therefore, from a conventional point of view it is clear that the majority of studies and research on management is strongly related to a rigorous, systematic and methodical investigative process. The purpose of research in this field is essentially to review and process existing knowledge, as well as to provide solutions to problems

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via the analysis of general issues. This leads to the three central research classifications; namely, exploratory, descriptive and causal or predictive. (Sarantakos, 31-35). However, central as well to the modern view of management research and particularly with regard to the problematics of learning in management is the importance of the more holistic approach which does not attempt to fragment or compartmentalize. This focus here is on learning and leadership in management as an integrative process. In terms of human research development it has been recognized for example that research into human development within the management contact will be increasingly concerned with facilitating the learning of individuals, teams and organizations through the design, structuring and organization of work itself (Mcgoldrick, Stewart, and Watson 396). This tends to suggest that there has been a shift in management research theory from a positivist to a more interpretive and subjectively orientated approach which is the foundation of the present qualitative approach in this study.

the question design and construction. These have been discussed in other sections of this introduction and include the three main issues of detachment, care and compassion and mindfulness. However, a central concern that affects the construction of the questions and the way in which they are asked is the focus on providing adequate data and material that will assist in proving or disproving the central hypothesis of the study. This hypothesis can be stated as follows. a. The present study is firstly concerned with establishing the connection between spirituality and managerial concerns in the workplace. b. Secondly, this study intends to show that spirituality and spiritual practices have a profound and measurable effect on the development and learning process of the individual. c. That this personal individual growth tends to translate into actions and into aspects such as positive motivation and the reduction of negative work aspects and increases in positive facets and values, such as caring and communication. d. By being aware of spirituality and spiritual aspects managers can become better leaders and can motivate and understand their staff more effectively As was mentioned previously, a more phenomenological approach to the interview process will be used in which the questions are more interrogative and open to the flow of responses and counter responses; rather then being predetermined to fit into certain pre-selected categories. A useful guideline in this regard is the psycho biographical format to qualitative research. This involves

Research questions
The proposed research and data collection in this study will be qualitative and generative in nature. By this is meant that there will be a great degree of flexibility and openness to responses from the interviewees. On the other hand these responses and answers to the various questions will of course be closely related to various parameters dictated by the research design and the central theoretical construct that informs this study. The questions that are asked will therefore have to be carefully selected and presented so as to ensure that a consistent and useful response pattern can be drawn for the answers. Certain variables will also have to be borne in mind in terms

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an interview and research methodology which involves doing research with rather than on people ( Lips-Wiernma, 2002, Analyzing the Career Concerns.). This implies a more interactive interview process where the participant does not merely respond to the questions being asked but rather interacts with the interviewer in an interview process that is intended to elicit more subjective and in-depth results. There are eight central questions that will act as guiding questions in this study. It should be pointed that these are basic guiding questions and that a certain amount of latitude will be exercised in their application. The questions are to be seen as starting points of inquiry that are to be amplified and expanded on. This will also lead to their extension into various sub-questions and areas that will be determined by the interactions between the interview and the interviewee. However the central impetus of the main hypothesis and the central variables will essentially act as guiding elements in the collation of the data as well as in the analysis of the material. The first of these questions that will be explored is stated as follows: to what extent does low morality, stress, and lack of emotional intelligence in terms of empathy and caring for people, impact organizations? The central impetus of this question is intended to explore the degree to which the interviewee discerns a problem in terms of the variables that have been associated with a lack of spirituality in the workplace; namely low morality, stress and lack of empathy. The general intention of this question will be to determine the extent of the problem from the point of view of the manager. This relates to the first section of the basic hypothesis to this study and serves to explore the connection between spirituality and the working environment. This question can also lead to more specific

subsections of the investigation; such as which aspect or aspects are seen by the interviewee to have a negative effect in the workplace. For example, the emphasis may be on low morality rather than on stress or lack of empathy. The second question is intended to directly address the meaning and definition of spirituality. This question therefore builds on for the previous one and is intended to ascertain what the interviewee understands by the term spirituality. In this regard reference should be made to the theoretical foundations of this study and to the various definitions and perceptions of spirituality; particularly with regard to the differentiation between pure spiritual and applied spirituality. ( Heaton et al 2004) The fourth question is; in business decision-making, does spirituality influence morality? This question is directed at establishing the extent of the influence of spirituality in the actual process of business and in the active workplace. This also relates to the central hypotheses in terms of the way that the manager perceives spirituality as an active and real factor in the workplace, rather than a theoretical construct. This question is also intended to ascertain the personal view that the interviewee has of his or her spirituality and the way that this is subjectively perceived as having an impact on work and business activity. As was noted previously, this question will be open to variations and extensions in terms of the interviewees responses. The above question is followed up with a further interrogation of the way that spirituality affects business decision. The following question is: What are the perceptions of the interviewee based on? This is intended to explore and analyze the foundations of the view of spirituality that the interviewee has. This will obviously include a number of possible variations in response

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and the central intention is to remain sensitive to personal responses that can add to the understanding of the way that spirituality is perceived as a means of reducing negative aspects in the workplace and improving the positive and functional elements in the business and working environment. This is an interrogative question that requires further questioning. Throughout the process of the interviews, the three central variables of detachment, compassion and mindfulness form the background to these questions. Aspects of these variables are therefore included in the questions where appropriate. For example, within the framework of the central eight questions at appropriate junctures questions such as, do you feel that unselfish actions are important in management, are asked. This question therefore adds to our knowledge of the way in which detachment acts as a part of spirituality in the workplace. These questions therefore add depth in terms of the collation of data and analysis. The following question is intended to elicit a more personal and subjective response which builds on the previous views and answers that have already been produced by the earlier question. The sixth central question is: in practicing spirituality in the workplace, how do managers guard their souls, in the manner of not letting the mind be deluded by greed and negative emotion, as part of their leadership values? This question obviously alludes to the main variables and particularly to the centrality of the concept of detachment as a spiritual means of improving workplace functionality and the avoidance of negative aspects such as greed. This question is followed by more indepth questions that are aimed at eliciting extensive information and data that can be analyzed in terms of the central theoretical constructs of this study. The seventh

question used in the interview process is: Is there a paradigm shift when the managers face temptations that go against their moral values, and, if so, how? This question is intended to explore the world-views and the changes in the perception of reality that is engendered by the understudying of spirituality in the workplace. This is followed by the final question which is: To what extent does having compassion and love continue to shape managers interrelation with their subordinates? These questions will subscribe to the phenomenological and qualitative approach that has been suggested in this study. Central to this process will be the theoretical distinction between pure and applied spirituality although it should be borne in mind that this is in reality an artificial separation. For the purposes of analysis however the personal interview situation allows for an in-depth approach which can be used to ascertain the relationship between pure and applied concepts of spirituality.

Conceptual Framework

or

Theoretical

This qualitative research study is based on general system theory, originally introduced in 1948 by Ludwig von Bertalanffy, in which all parts are interdependent components in a system. That means in business organizations, in spite of the unpredictable behaviors of human beings, people are still part of a management system that needs to be understood in order to make it work efficiently. The conceptual patterns underlying systems theory have been chosen as the most appropriate theoretical framework as it allows for the analysis of interaction on many levels and, furthermore, provides a theoretical scaffolding, as it were, that is able to take into account the more subtle and interactive nature of this

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study. To this end a more phenomenological theoretical approach will also be used in this research study in order to provide an interpretive platform for an analysis of the many subjective perceptions and constructs that that will form an integral part of the process of the research. The conceptual approach in this study is therefore aligned to a subjective and inter-subjective stance in terms of the data collection. In a study by Heaton et al ( 2004 ) this conceptual model is seen as an approach to organizational change from the inside rather than from the outside ! in. In other words, this theoretical approach is reliant on subjective interpretations from individual responses to spirituality. This approach is also dependent on the understanding and implication of a more spiritual approach. Conventional approaches to changing people and culture involve aligningorganizational systems and structures with desired behaviorsWe may characterize this kind of approach as outside ! in because it aims to change human behavior by first changing something outside the individual, which in turn defines or constrains behavior. Recognition of spirituality as the fundamental aspect of the human personality suggests that there may be another approach to managing change. While traditional approaches aim at managing change from the outside in, knowledge of the spiritual foundation of life suggests that change can be spiritual foundation of life can grow and develop in ways consistent withorganizational goals.(Heaton et al 2004 ) The above quotation is cited at length because it is important implications for the theoretical foundations of this study. In essence, what Heaton states is that positive change and learning in the workplace is not only determined by external factors and

actions. Change in the workplace can come from within or rather change within the emotional, spiritual and emotional complex of the leader or worker can be the precursor to major changes and in the advancement of the learning process in the workplace. This is related to the three central variables that will be the focus of this study: namely the subjective implications of mindful mediation, the concept of detachment and the meaning of love and compassion. These are the central theoretical aspects that inform this study. In terms of the history of research theory and techniques associated with the study of spirituality, a distinction has been made between interior forms of spiritual expression and its outer manifestations. ( Tishlet et al, 2002) The term interior spirituality refers to the inner and subjective emotional states in the individual. These forms of experience are not easily accessible or amenable to a quantitative or objective scientific approach. Within this context, the study of spirituality in the workplace must therefore fall within the theoretical category of internal spiritual experiences. The history of the qualitative and more descriptive approach to the study of the phenomenon of spirituality as a subjective experience and a legitimate focus of scientific research, has an impressive history since the latter half of the Twentieth Century. For example, one might mention scholars like Charles Tart, who is renowned for research into altered states of spiritual consciousness and who has encouraged the recording of reports of subjective spiritual experiences and trance states. ( Tishlet et al, 2002) Tart has stated that there are at present ( 2001) more than 2000 studies on the effect of spiritual experiences. There are also numerous studies which show that spiritual experiences and the centrality of spiritual aspects in everyday

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life has been seen to provide positive psychological and physiological effects. For example , spiritual well-being has been purported to provide a significant inner strength to people, especially in times of uncertainty and chaos in life ( Tichter, 2002, p. 208). This view also coincides with research on the propensity of spiritual well-being to enrich life and personality. Numerous studies attest to the realization of spirituality as a factor that enhances positive proclivity and action in human life. Spiritual development is the process through which all aspects of the personality grow from experiences of pure spirituality. Like most psychological processes, spiritual development occurs in stages representing a hierarchy of increasingly more abstract, and thus more inclusive, levels of functioning. (Heaton et al 2004 ) Another very significant aspect of the theoretical foundations of this study is that there is a sense of progression or movement from a sense of pure spiritually to an applied spirituality. This means that true inner and subjective spiritual experience is a central motivating force in the manifestation of that spirituality in life and work. (Heaton et al 2004) Therefore applied spirituality is in reality inner spirituality in action in the external world. This aspect has enormous implications for the present study as it suggests that the inner significance of spiritual experiential aspects such as detachment or letting go ( Zazen in Zen Buddhism ) as a deeply felt experience in the subjective nature of the individual, is translated into understanding and action which can practically improve leadership capabilities and interaction in the workplace. As Kinjerski and Skrypnek (2004) state, this theoretical model, is the foundation for a comprehensive research program for investigating an

inside ! out approach: investigating the practical value of growth of spirituality in the individual as the basis for exploring its impact on organizations. It can focus research by measuring applied spirituality in terms of behavior, sensory perception, mental processes, decisionmaking, emotional intelligence, intuition, insight and wisdom. This model also suggests a means to develop applied spirituality through the experience of pure spirituality. (Kinjerski and Skrypnek, 2004) This view and the application of spirituality in the workplace lead to positive aspects that coincide with effects such as increased creativity and commitment and a reduction of aggression and hostility, as evidenced by Arias work in positive effects of meditation on executives performance (Arias, J.C., 2008).

Definitions
Spirituality The central concept of spirituality is problematic from a number of points of view. However, as has been noted, the concept of spirituality is a multivalent but internally uniform concept that, for the purposes of research, can be can be divided into pure and applied spiritually. Pure spirituality refers to silent, unbounded, inner experience of pure self-awareness, to devoid of customary content of perception, thoughts, and feelings ( Heaton et al, 2004). While applied spiritually refers the domain of practical applications and measurable outcomes that automatically arise from the inner experience of pure spirituality(Heaton et al, 2004). Furthermore, the term spiritual development refers to a holistic process of positive

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transformation through experience of pure spirituality. (Heaton et al, 2004). Detachment and letting go Detachment is a complex concept which is often difficult to understand for the uninitiated Western person who is used to rational and logocentric concepts. Detachment implies a removal of attention and concern from what is seen as the illusionary nature of reality. In more practical and applied terms, detachment can be understood as the ability to go beyond self-concern and thoughts of self-only; in other words it is a spiritual attitude that transcends the personal ego and allows the individual to see the reality of the situation unencumbered by the constraints of personal ambition, greed etc At it most pure and intense it is known as Letting go of body and mind in Zen Buddhism as exemplified in the works of Zen master Dogen. In some sense, Body and mind dropped off refers to the letting go of our ancient, twisted karmic attachment to this limited body and mind. We are conditioned to try to acquire objects to embellish, enhance, or improve this body and mind. So just dropping off body and mind is to abandon that effort of acquisitiveness, and is a statement of the ultimate for Dogen. (Leighton)

Assumptions
The first and most important assumption that influences this study is that there is in innate connection between spirituality, human development in society and learning and growth in the workplace. This main assumption is, as has been discussed in the various subsections to this introduction, a relatively well accepted position taken by many experts and researchers. This

assumption also has further implication that leads to other assumptions. If this first aspect is assumed to be correct then it follows that the impact and the effect of spirituality is a factor that has a profound effect on business, leadership and managerial research. The assumption that directly flows from this is that understanding spirituality from a reflective and subjective point of view can therefore help to improve the leadership and other managerial considerations in the workplace. A further central assumption is that spirituality is a positive aspect and not a negative one. However caution must be taken in the ready acceptance of this view as spiritual aspects may also cause friction in the workplace due to factors such as opposing ideologies and is therefore an aspect that is borne in mind in the overall assessment of this study. Another assumption is that the measure and assessment of spirituality in the workplace can be generally obtained in an acceptable scientific context through theoretical constructs such detachment, mindfulness and compassion and love. This is also associated with another assumption; namely that these essentially Eastern concepts can be applied with positive effect in a Western social and business environment. This implies all spiritual experiences have a common foundation and that the spiritual experiences in terms of different cultures and societies are fundamentally interchangeable and mutually applicable. However, the most important assumption that influences this research on spirituality is that the pure spiritual experience, as in the case of detachment from illusion, gives rise to positive and measurable changes in health, personality, mental functioning and behavior (Kinjerski and Skrypnek, 2004). Kinjerski and Skrypnek state that this in

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turn leads to an improved work spirit. Specifically, the experience of spirit at work is linked with increased creativity, honesty, trust, and commitment in the workplace, along with an enhanced sense of personal fulfillment of employees (Kinjerski and Skrypnek, 2004). This view also leads to the theoretical construct of a spiritual intellect which is seen by some theorists as the link between pure spirituality and spirit in the workplace. There is a final major assumption that pervades this study. This is that a form of spiritual intelligence exist that functions outside of the parameters and beyond the ambit of the formal structures of faith and religion and which informs and affect the growth and develop and management and workers in the workplace.

Scope, Limitations, Delimitations

and

The scope of this study is necessarily ambitious. It is an attempt to add significantly to the developing store of knowledge and research in a meaningful and practical way. On the other hand, instead of attempting as large scale and possibly unmanageable research project a large sample base; this study is purposefully limited and prescribed to a certain area as well as to interviews within a specific discipline. While this is from one perspective a limitation, it is also an advantage in that the study by confining itself to an intimate data sample and base and using a qualitative methodology it is intended that the study will provide an in-depth and penetrative set of results, rather then a large discursive overawe; which will, hopefully, add to the discourse on this subject in a pertinent and realistic way. This also refers to an obvious limitation which is the fact that externally, the study does not represent classes of managerial professionals not

interviewed, such as those from educational institutions, health-related industries, law enforcement, or global businesses. The methodology used could also be seen as a limitation. The qualitative method does not allow for the wide array of statistical and scientific tools that could give greater legitimacy and weight to the study. However, as has been suggested in the above sections, the qualitative approach is seen to be the most fruitful and successful approach to the topic. This also relates to the fact that the qualitative research internally constrains itself within the perceptions of Buddhism in terms of mindful meditation, detachment, and compassion and love. On the other hand this is a purposeful limitation in terms of the criteria and variables that are the centre of the research design. However there is also delimitation in this study, which is that although the definitions of spiritual in this study are based on Buddhist doctrine, the spiritual practices can be applied to everybody, regardless their beliefs. Thus, the study delimits biased judgments, and brings the findings closer to reality. A cardinal that adds to the scope of this study is that, interdependencies among variables are far more difficult to model and to measure than dependencies. (Mugler) There is no empirical research to prove that one method of practicing spirituality in the workplace is better than another in creating effective organizations. Thus, while the attributes of the enneagrams are different, the purpose is the same. That is to help managers to connect themselves harmoniously and positively to other people in organizations, and to develop the workplace into an enjoyable environment. However, one challenge for this study might be that participants in the interviews, being in good part from a western culture, may not be able to relate well to some of the eastern-

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culture-based concepts being explored. For example some may not value detachment from expectations. Another challenge might be that the study could be quite timeconsuming.

Conclusion
The key elements of this study can be summarized as follows. There are numerous studies that emphasize the increasing importance of concepts of spirituality in management and leadership research. The management field will benefit greatly from incorporating a spiritual perspective into our theories as well as into our research and theory development process (Neal et al., 1999, pp. 182-3). This has led to a growing consensus that spirituality is central factor which can contribute to the enhancement and development of leadership, learning and communication in the modern business workplace. Therefore, the present study has attempted to use various concepts of spiritual praxis in research to determine their necessity, effectiveness and relevance to the workplace environment. Concepts derived from mainly Eastern spiritual theory have been included in the research design. These include the aspects of detachment, mindfulness and mindful mediation and compassion and love. These aspects are explored in terms of the perception, attitudes and views of managers; as well as in terms of their subjective assessments of morality, stress and care without that environment. The central aim of the study is to ascertain the relevance of spirituality within the parameters of this theoretic research design. To this end a qualitative methodology will be used. This is seen to be the most appropriate and advantageous method of collation of the relevant data. The central reason for this is that the subject matter is

concerned with subjective expression and states of being which are more amenable to an intimate and personal interview situation. The intention of this study is not only to ascertain the necessity for spirituality in the workplace but also to determine, via the directed interviews, what aspect and elements are seen by managers to more or less effective in terms of the applications of spirituality in the workplace.

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