Spirituality and workplace performance: a theoretical insight
ISSN: 1747-1117
Article publication date: 13 November 2024
Issue publication date: 2 January 2025
Abstract
Purpose
The primary objective of the study is to explore and elucidate the relationship between spirituality and workplace performance. This study aims to fill a gap in the existing literature by presenting a theoretical–methodological framework that incorporates various aspects and research propositions, differentiating them based on specific mediating variables.
Design/methodology/approach
This research uses a systematic literature review methodology, analyzing 95 articles published over 20 years (2002–2022). This approach is designed to collate and synthesize evidence supporting the proposed relationship between spirituality and workplace performance and to understand the nuances of spirituality’s influence on performance.
Findings
The systematic review reveals recurring mediating constructs and various established theoretical–empirical relationships between spirituality and workplace performance throughout the study period. It highlights the significant role of spirituality in enhancing worker well-being, engagement and productivity.
Social implications
This study addresses the impacts on societal views of work, employee well-being and organizational culture, especially considering the growing discussions around holistic and spiritually inclusive workplaces.
Originality/value
This paper introduces originality by presenting a theoretical–methodological framework that emphasizes five distinct research propositions. These propositions, rooted in a comprehensive literature review, provide insights into how spirituality might influence workplace performance through various mediating variables.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to express their gratitude to the editors and reviewers for their constructive input and insightful feedback.
Funding: Authors received no funding for this research.
Competing interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests or personal relationships that could influence the findings reported in this paper. Hence, the authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
Data availability statement: The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon request.
Citation
Kuhn, N., Lopes, L.F.D., Silva, W.V.d., da Silva, L.S.C.V. and Veiga, C.P.d. (2025), "Spirituality and workplace performance: a theoretical insight", Social Responsibility Journal, Vol. 21 No. 2, pp. 351-377. https://doi.org/10.1108/SRJ-10-2023-0570
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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