Introducing…….

Speaking or writing about spirituality is foolishness. The moment words are used to describe the phenomenon, one is moving away from the experience. Spirituality is ineffable. And still….

Spirituality is a vital component of the human experience. An individual’s spirit is a key ingredient in action, from the heroic to the mundane. 

Spirituality is a source of peace, inner strength, and integrity. Individuals use spiritual practices, such as silence, meditation, sacred readings, and other practices, to bring alignment to their body, mind, and soul. Buddhist monks, the Dalai Lama, and Thich Nhat Hanh, famously drew on their spirituality to resist and endure persecution. At the same time, Christian mystics Thomas Merton and Martin Luther King Jr. empowered them to create peace and justice. More to the point, many people know a grandparent, cousin, or family friend who has relied on spirituality to see them through a difficult season. Individually, each of us engages our personal spirituality somehow to get through the day.

I want to introduce you to another form of spirituality. Organizational spirituality (also called workplace spirituality) describes how spirituality and spiritual dynamics operate within a group. The group could be a family, a cultural or religious group, or a workplace. A simple example of organizational spirituality is the exuberance at a sports event. Organizational or workplace spirituality also occurs when a safe group of people fosters growth and healing. 

The following series offers a fresh scientific look at workplace spirituality by synthesizing what researchers have already discovered and asking where the field is headed next. One area gaining attention is the role of decolonizing theory, which offers new ways to think about what spiritual integrity, belonging, and meaning can look like within a group.

By weaving together a wide range of studies, this project will highlight how scholars are beginning to envision a more decolonized approach to organizational spirituality, one that challenges old assumptions and creates space for diverse worldviews. Along the way, I will identify what we know, where the gaps are, and why those gaps matter. Ultimately, the goal is to point toward future directions for research and practice, especially for those working in human resource development, adult education, and organizational leadership. Understanding organizational spirituality in more expansive and inclusive ways can deepen our insight into organizational culture, employee well-being, and the possibilities for more just and grounded workplaces.

I expect a 600-word post on my organizational spirituality research to drop every week. Please follow along, share with a friend, and leave a comment.