Workplace Spirituality and Human Resource Management: Human Capital Theory to Human Value Theory

Abstract

This paper first critically reviews previous literature on workplace spirituality and proposes a four-dimensional framework of spirituality; then it suggests a new human resource management (HRM) theory, human value theory. For this purpose, we maintain that spirituality is made up of four dimensions: height, depth, width, and length. Each dimension reflects four aspects of spirituality: ultimacy, authenticity, commitment, and historicality, respectively. We explain meaning, function, and features of each aspect. Utilizing this framework, we suggest the human value theory which is sharply contrasted with human capital theory. The fundamental difference between these two theories is about human nature. While human capital theory assumes human being as a rational being, human value theory regards it as a spiritual being. In addition, we compare these two theories in terms of people treatment perspective, people management objective, decision making method, success of members, and value creation approach. Finally, we suggest future HRM research directions.