Spiritual Leadership in South African
Date
2011-06-15
Authors
Sirkissoon, Elisha
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Abstract
The research problem that this research addresses is to explore and identify the
key components of spiritual leadership, within the context of the general concept of
leadership, as well as the dynamics between the identified components of spiritual
leadership.
There is a sense of urgency for humanity to expand their consciousness in order to
deal with the challenges arising in organisations and on this planet (Biberman et al,
1999). This includes a need for more holistic leadership that integrates the four
aspects of human existence, i.e. the body, mind, heart and spirit (Smith and
Rayment, 2007; Moxley, 2000). It is argued that successful corporate leaders of the
21st century will be spiritual leaders, comfortable with their own spirituality and with
the knowledge of how to nurture spiritual development in others Cacioppe (2000).
The research paradigm adopted in the research was qualitative in nature and takes
the form of descriptive study. Fourteen in-depth interviews were conducted using a
semi-structured interview questionnaire.
The research results show that what underpins the definition of spiritual leadership
is the general concept of awareness. The specific results indicate that the
components of spiritual leadership include, understanding that one’s position has
meaning and purpose; cultivating, embedding and acting with positive spiritual
values such as sustainability and cooperation; dissolution of ego; detachment from
results; management of stress; growth towards higher states of consciousness; and
engaging in reflective practices. The spiritual leader’s responsibility is to constantly
strive to refine his/her awareness and that of his/her followers. Engaging in reflective
practices, assist in refining and purifying ones consciousness so that this level of
awareness can be achieved.
The research results did not deviate from literature on spiritual leadership. Much of
the literature was reinforced by the results of this research. The implications for this
research are manifold; however it is recommended that further empirical studies are
conducted, specifically with regards to the business benefits of spirituality in the
workplace and factors that constrain the application of spirituality in the workplace.
Description
MBA - WBS
Keywords
Leadership, Spiritual leadership