Elmer H. Burack and M. Zia Hassan
Given the growing complexity of organizations, business and human resource planners continue to look for new ways to systematically assess their activities and those of their…
Abstract
Given the growing complexity of organizations, business and human resource planners continue to look for new ways to systematically assess their activities and those of their departments. Information is needed that will help identify critical system features, work characteristics and personnel relationships, leading to improved job and system designs and quicker identification of new human resource needs.
The rapid growth of spirituality in the workplace and organization generally, topically and applications, is of major importance for enterprise leaders, HR officials…
Abstract
The rapid growth of spirituality in the workplace and organization generally, topically and applications, is of major importance for enterprise leaders, HR officials, organizational members and change agents. After providing a working definition of “workplace spirituality” some of the dynamic factors are identified which are contributing to its fast growth. This discussion includes some of the key behavioral ideas and models providing a foundation for these developments. Several case type summaries illustrate the richness and potency of spirituality applications in organizations. The concluding section provides a brief speculative discussion of future developments.
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Laurie Larwood, Sergei Rodkin and Dean Judson
The need to maintain up-to-date technological skills despite an aging workforce makes it imperative that organizations increasingly focus on retraining older employees. This…
Abstract
The need to maintain up-to-date technological skills despite an aging workforce makes it imperative that organizations increasingly focus on retraining older employees. This article develops an adult career model based on the acquisition of technological skills and gradual skill obsolescence. The model suggests the importance of retraining and provides practical implications to the development of retraining programs. Suggestions for future research are also offered.
Ralph J. Masi and Robert A. Cooke
As part of an integrative model of leadership, transformational (versus transactional) styles are proposed to be related to subordinates' motivation and commitment to quality, the…
Abstract
As part of an integrative model of leadership, transformational (versus transactional) styles are proposed to be related to subordinates' motivation and commitment to quality, the strength of empowering norms at the subunit level, and organizational productivity. Transformational and transactional styles also are proposed to be related to the self‐image of leaders. Hypotheses are tested in a military setting, the United States Army Recruiting Command, through the use of survey data provided by mid‐level leaders, station commanders, and recruiters. Data are supplemented by direct measures of subunit productivity. Results support some, but not all, of the proposed hypotheses. Implications for research and practice are presented, along with limitations of the research.
Ramendra Singh, Rakesh Kumar Singh and Keerti Shukla
In this conceptual paper, anchoring on the Hindu philosophical doctrine of karma, this study models the impact of salesperson’s karma orientation (KO) (a relatively new…
Abstract
Purpose
In this conceptual paper, anchoring on the Hindu philosophical doctrine of karma, this study models the impact of salesperson’s karma orientation (KO) (a relatively new construct), in alleviating his/her job burnout. This study also explores the moderating impact of thought self-leadership (TSL).
Design/methodology/approach
This study theorizes the impact of KO on salesperson’s burnout by integrating the job demand–resource model with spirituality and TSL literatures.
Findings
Using multi-dimensional construct of KO, this study proposes several research propositions to theorize the impact of each of the four dimensions (i.e. work as selfless action, work as duty towards others, detachment from work-related rewards and equanimity under environmental influences) on three aspects of job burnout (i.e. emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and reduced personal accomplishment). Additionally, this study also theorizes the moderating impact of TSL on the above-mentioned relationships.
Practical implications
Organizations can adopt the karma doctrine for designing new sales jobs that provide higher meaningfulness and a greater sense of purpose to their salespeople, going beyond extrinsic rewards such as money. Higher KO among the business to business salespersons would lead them to derive higher intrinsic motivation to make karmic investments with their customers knowing that their good deeds with customers would eventually lead to good rewards for themselves, reducing their burnout, while also enhancing their well-being.
Originality/value
The paper makes an original theoretical contribution by theorizing the impact of Hindu philosophy of karma on salesperson’s job burnout, and hence well-being and eventual impact on organizational effectiveness.