Self-Spirituality in Organizations: A Review of Qualitative Research

Abstract

This review focuses on the incorporation of self-spirituality and mindfulness into secular institutions such as for-profit organizations, as well as into public and private healthcare organizations. The review considers research into the value of self-spirituality and the reasons for organizational rejection, or acceptance as a response to manifestations of self-spirituality; research proposing frameworks for analyzing modes of incorporating self-spirituality into organizations; and research into the enactment of self- spirituality in different sectors. The review shows that individuals reported a reduction in stress, a reinforced capacity for coping with challenging workplace demands, and improved workplace communication. The review also argues that the encounter of organizations with self-spirituality is shaped by, and reenforces, existing social forces such as instrumentalism. At the same time, it generates alternative ideas and practices. At present, the capacity of self-spirituality to create transformation in organizations is limited, although specific practices (e. g., mindfulness) can be more influential.