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The influence of spirituality in the relationship between religiosity and work engagement: a perspective on social responsibility

Sandra Leonara Obregon (Department of Administrative Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil)
Luis Felipe Dias Lopes (Department of Administrative Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil)
Wesley Vieira da Silva (Department of Economics, Administration and Accounting, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Maceio, Brazil)
Deoclécio Junior Cardoso da Silva (Department of Administrative Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil)
Bratriz Leite Gustmann de Castro (Department of Administrative Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil)
Nuvea Kuhn (Department of Administrative Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil)
Maria Emilia Camargo (Department of Administrative Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil)
Claudimar Pereira da Veiga (FDC Business School, Fundação Dom Cabral – Campus Aloysio Faria, Nova Lima, Brazil)

Social Responsibility Journal

ISSN: 1747-1117

Article publication date: 30 July 2024

Issue publication date: 21 November 2024

96

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of spirituality, spiritual experiences, religiosity, efficacy and job engagement among Brazilian university professors, particularly focusing on the implications for social responsibility.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered from a nonprobability sample of academics from private and public universities in Brazil during periods of crisis using a standardized survey. The study used partial least squares structural equation modeling as the method for data analysis.

Findings

The study identified robust correlations between daily spiritual experiences (DSE), spirituality and job engagement and efficacy. Additionally, an indirect effect of religiosity on these variables was identified, mediated via DSE. Religiosity was found to impact spiritual experiences and spirituality. The results identified a direct influence of spirituality on work vigor and self-efficiency. However, the study revealed no significant indirect relationship between religiosity, job engagement and efficacy when mediated solely through spirituality.

Research limitations/implications

This study is primarily limited by its sampling method and Brazil’s cultural context, potentially affecting the generalizability of the findings. Future research should include a more diverse demographic and extend beyond the Brazilian context to various cultural settings. Despite these limitations, the study provides valuable insights for managers leveraging religiosity, spiritual experiences and spirituality to create a more inclusive workplace. Emphasizing these aspects can help foster an environment that respects and accommodates employees’ diverse religious and spiritual beliefs, enhancing workplace harmony and engagement.

Practical implications

The findings are relevant for university administrations and policymakers. Recognizing the role of spirituality, spiritual experiences and religiosity in academic engagement can guide the development of more supportive, inclusive and socially responsible work environments.

Social implications

This research underscores the social responsibility of educational institutions to consider and integrate their faculty members’ spiritual and religious dimensions, especially during times of crisis. It highlights how these aspects can significantly influence engagement and efficacy, contributing to a more holistic approach to employee well-being and organizational culture.

Originality/value

This study brings a novel contribution to the dialogue around social responsibility in academia by associating religiosity, spiritual experiences and spirituality with job engagement and effectiveness during a global crisis. It highlights the importance of these personal dimensions in the professional environment, particularly in times of elevated stress and uncertainty.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

Conflicts of interest/competing interests: There are no conflicts of interest for the authors listed.

Ethics approval: The research instruments were made available by e-mail, the confidentiality agreement and the informed consent form. During the data collection period, the employees were subdivided into two job categories: professors and technical-administrative staff. Of the 4708 questionnaires sent, 1506 valid questionnaires were returned for analysis, being 552 professors (11.81%) and 954 technical-administrative staff (20.28%). This study is part of a project registered and approved by the Research Ethics Committee and National Research Ethics Commission (CAAE registration no. 57883816.4.0000.5346).

Informed consent: “Informed consent was obtained from all participants included in the study.

Citation

Obregon, S.L., Lopes, L.F.D., Silva, W.V.d., Silva, D.J.C.d., Castro, B.L.G.d., Kuhn, N., Camargo, M.E. and Veiga, C.P.d. (2024), "The influence of spirituality in the relationship between religiosity and work engagement: a perspective on social responsibility", Social Responsibility Journal, Vol. 20 No. 10, pp. 1909-1934. https://doi.org/10.1108/SRJ-01-2024-0043

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited

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