Why Do We Need a Spiritual-Based Theory of Leadership?

Abstract

Interest in spirituality is now expressed through concepts such as spiritual-based leadership, deep change, spiritual capital or spirituality in the workplace. Enlightened business leaders often speak about their interests in Zen or other meditative practices. Eastern and Western religious traditions are explored as sources of wisdom and ethical discernment. Without a theoretical framework, spiritual awareness will remain the personal interest of a minority of business leaders, or will only be contained in the stories of some exceptional companies. Embedding spirituality into management and decision-making processes requires a spiritual-based theory of leadership.