“ Choosing one's leaders is an affirmation that the person making the choice has inherent worth.”
Linda Chavez
Let’s explore more of the emerging needs of the current workforce. Many corporations would prefer to stay away from religious values or connotations. However, many workers desire a more spiritual workplace. Ashar and Lane-Maher, authors of Success and Spirituality in the New Business Paradigm, maintain that the workplace has an aspiration for something more than employment. Some scholars call this need spirituality. Is this concept new? Pascarella, author of Christ Centered Leadership, argues that Americans have always tried to maintain a religious aspect of living. He calls this phenomenon civil religion. It is characterized by individuals feeling good about themselves and carrying a sense of godliness in their living. In reality, this only provides a self serving mission.
Unfortunately, faddish spirituality falls short of any real substance. It’s like eating cake everyday for a meal. Although it tastes good and may fill you up for a minute, it won’t keep you satisfied for long. However, many people seek this aspect of goodness, however. Often, this pursuit becomes self serving practice. Understanding this dynamic in employee development may give an organization a better competitive advantage in the marketplace. Therefore, strategy leaders do not overlook the current desire of employees for a more meaningful workplace (namely, a more spiritual workplace).
References:
Ashar, H. & Lane-Maher, M. (2004). Success and spirituality in the new business paradigm. Journal of Management Inquiry, 13(3), 249-260.
Pascarella, P. (1999). Christ Centered Leadership. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing.
© 2006 by Daryl D. Green
Daryl D. Green has published over 100 articles in the field of decision-making (personal and organizational), leadership, and organizational behavior. Mr. Green is also the author of two acclaimed books, Awakening the Talents Within and My Cup Runneth Over. He is a columnist, lecturer, professor, and management consultant. Mr. Green has a BS in engineering and a MA in organizational management. Currently, he is a doctoral degree in strategic leadership. For more information,visit his website at http://www.darylgreen.org
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