The potential of spiritual leadership in workplace spirituality Translated title: Die potensiaal van spirituele leierskap in werkplek-spiritualiteit

Abstract

We live in the transition period between the old definition of work as survival and the new definition of work as livelihood. A new awareness of the value of spirituality can add to the innovation and creative capacity of 'human capital', increased authenticity in communication and has the potential for increased ethical and moral behaviour. For organisations wanting greater commitment this means opening up the conversation to include dimensions of soul and spirit that have been traditionally left at the office door. Workplace spirituality has potential for leadership development as it allows employees and leaders to act from personal truth, integrity, values and ethical practice. Spiritual leadership taps into the fundamental needs of both leader and follower for spiritual survival so that they become more organisationally committed and productive. This article focuses on the potential of spiritual leadership to transform and to contribute to the success of an organisation.

Translated abstract

Ons lewe in die oorgangsperiode tussen 'n tradisionele verstaan van werk as oorlewing en 'n nuwe verstaan van arbeid as 'n bron vir lewensvoorsiening. 'n Nuwe bewuswording van die waarde van spiritualiteit kan bydra tot die innovering en kreatiewe kapasiteit van 'menslike kapitaal' en toenemende outentisiteit in kommunikasie - dit hou ook potensiaal in om etiese en morele gedrag te bevorder. Derhalwe behoort organisasies in hulle strewe na groter toewyding van werkers ontvanklik te wees vir die akkommodering van dimensies soos die siel en gees wat tradisioneel in 'n kantooropset afgeskeep is. Spiritualiteit in die werkplek hou potensiaal vir leierskapontwikkeling in, aangesien dit werkers en leiers in staat stel om volgens persoonlike oortuigings, integriteit, waardes en etiese praktyke te handel. Spirituele leierskap put vanuit die fundamentele behoeftes van beide leier en volgeling vir spirituele oorlewing, sodat hulle organisatories meer toegewyd en produktief kan wees. Hierdie artikel fokus op die potensiaal van spirituele leierskap vir die transformasie en sukses van 'n organisasie.