Workplace Spirituality and the Motivational Impact of Meaningful Work: An Experimental Study

Abstract

The question of whether spirituality or the Spiritual Self affect workplace behavior and performance, not just job attitudes, bears directly on the business case for workplace spirituality. This study seeks to extend upon prior research in related fields by examining the relationship between meaningful work, a component of workplace spirituality, and worker motivation. The study also piloted an experimental method, a pioneering research strategy for workplace spirituality, focused on measurable performance outcomes. Temporal order was controlled, allowing causality to be clearly established. The study demonstrates workers who connect a self-transcendent purpose to otherwise mundane tasks are both more productive and satisfied. The empirical evidence for the theory of workplace spirituality is compelling and points towards future research directions.