Feasting eyes with Mona Lisa: A hermeneutic gaze at four unique faces of workplace spirituality

Abstract

This paper describes the qualitative research project investigating the construct of workplace spirituality (WPS). Employing the perspective of philosophical hermeneutics, it seeks to understand WPS through diversity of its representations, conceptualizing it as a worldview that serves as a conduit for spirit manifesting. Using an interpretive structure of worldviews, the study subsequently introduces Four Worlds’ theoretical framework (Dream, Crossroads, Paradox and Alchemy) to acquire better understanding of the diverse manifestations of spirituality at work. The Four Worlds framework is then applied to practice with forty four in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted in five Australian organizations. The findings revealed the malleable and sensitive nature of worldviews and produced four distinct accounts of worldview-dependent workplace spirituality.