Just Breathe: Meditation as Organizational Slack

Abstract

This research posits meditation can be viewed and incorporated into organizations as available slack. Viewing meditation as slack changes the traditional notions and views of slack and integrates independent research streams into a new theoretical lens and organizational paradigm. Organizations utilize slack as a cushion against external and internal contingencies, with research showing a positive correlation between slack and innovation. Organizations also recognize mindfulness cultivates creativity and innovation producing positive benefits. Meditation is recognized as achieving mindfulness and other benefits on the micro and macro level, including better health and less stress. Thus, a new theoretical model is presented showing meditation can be utilized by organizations as slack, providing a buffer against external and internal issues affecting organizations and encouraging innovation.