The Five-Factor Model of Workplace Spirituality: A Conceptualization and Scale Development

Abstract

Objective: This research is for conceptualizing a comprehensive model of workplace spirituality(WS) and developing a scale that can measure the concept to contribute to succeeding empirical studies in this area. Methods: In research 1, the five-factor model of WS was proposed, and 39 items were developed for constructing workplace spirituality index(WSI). A sample of 239 participants from six global companies completed the instrument, and an exploratory factor analysis was conducted. In research 2, a sample of 161 participants completed the WSI scale with 23 items for cross validation. Finally, in research 3, 400 employees were surveyed for showing discriminant validity between WS and subjective well-being (SWB), quality of working life (QWL), and perceived value of work (PVW). Results: In research 1, an exploratory factor analysis supported the five-factor model of WS. The first factor was ``a sense of inner life``: one`s existence value based on identity, the second factor was ``a sense of calling``: discovering the purpose and goal of life through work, the third factor was ``a sense of empathy``: understanding and sharing the pain together between colleagues or superior and subordinates, the fourth factor was ``a sense of community``: feeling connected together in an organization and society in general, the fifth factor was ``a sense of transcendence``: being immersed in work and environment experiencing rising above the self ego. In research 2, a confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the five-factor structure of WSI, showing cross validation evidence. In research 3, a discriminative validity study successfully showed that WS is an independent concept and different construct from similar concepts such as subjective well-being, quality of working life, and perceived value of work.