Stuti Jalan, Apeejay-Journal of Management Sciences and Technology, 5 (3), June- 2018

ISSN -2347-5005

Spirituality and Self Transcendence: Emerging Dynamism

Amongst the Corporates

Stuti Jalan
Research Scholar, Himachal Pradesh University of Business School
Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.

Abstract

Spirituality has been interpreted both as a discovery and an enigma for ages. Various scholars
have tried to bring forth the multifaceted benefits of spirituality. In this ever changing world of
business, corporates are also resorting to spirituality to acquire peace and tranquillity in order to
step up the productivity of organisations. The companies have realised that the human capital of an
organisation is not merely an intellectual resource but also individuals who are seeking to nourish
their souls. This has drawn the attention towards implementation of spirituality at workplace. Self-
transcendence refers to transcendence of self .The individuals put their needs aside to provide
service to others. The concept was first used by Victor Frankel, followed by Maslow making an
amendment to his need hierarchy theory. This paper aims to examine the concept and state of
spirituality and self-transcendence at both individual and organisational level. It also examines the
various spirituality initiatives embraced by the corporate world.

Keywords: Spirituality, Self-transcendence, Corporates, Workplace Spirituality, Maslow’s hierarchy

1. INTRODUCTION

Corporations of the present era are experiencing colossal developments. The turbulent scenario of the
corporate world has forced the managers to strive hard to keep abreast with the constant development.
It is essential for the executives to understand that a lack of prompt response to the persistent change
would drive them out of the competition. Every firm operates with an objective to earn maximum
possible profits. In order to accomplish this motive, the organisations are in constant quest to look out
for new avenues in order to improve the performance of their employees. In pursuance of meeting the
objectives of the organisations the most crucial resource of the organisation cannot be ignored. It is
the manpower that helps the organisation to achieve the desired objectives. In order to keep the
workforce happy the organisations are working towards improving the experience of employees at the
workplace. Yoga, meditation classes, art of living sessions, healing lectures have emerged as a
practice to give mental healing to the employees. Spirituality has added an entirely fresh perspective
to the situation. Self-transcendence is another construct that is gaining importance. It enables a person
to see the world beyond his own personal needs. A person who is progressing towards self-
transcendence are more motivated, secure, have high self-esteem and compassion for others. The
paper also discusses how the concept of self-transcendence has been embraced by the organisations.
It is imperative to nurture spirituality and self-transcendence in the state of corruption, ethical
misconduct in the business world.

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2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Milliman et al. (2003) established a positive relationship between workplace spirituality and five job
attitudinal variables (organisational commitment, intention to quit, intrinsic work satisfaction, job
involvement, and organisation based self-esteem) through their empirical study [1]. Marschke et al.
(2009) found a positive relationship between workplace spirituality and organisational commitment
[2]. Pawar (2009) investigated the impact of workplace spirituality & individual spirituality on three
work attitudes (job satisfaction, job involvement and organisational commitment). The results of the
study indicated that workplace spirituality has a significant association with the considered work
attitudes [3]. Rust & Gabriels (2011) investigated the link between workplace spirituality and
company values and found an alignment between the employees’ personal/spiritual values and
company values [4]. Doraiswamy & Deshmukh (2015) explored the impact of workplace spirituality
on role stress among nurses in India wherein they found that organisations with high workplace
spirituality results in lower stress for the employees [5].

Venter (2012) examined the impact of self-transcendence on organisational culture and leadership.
The study concluded that the embodiment of self-transcendence in organisation can create a more
sustainable organisation [6]. Chairy (2012) examined the impact of self-transcendence and spirituality
on consumption of pro environmental product. The results revealed that there was a strong association
between spirituality, self-transcendence on green purchase intentions [7].

3. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

i. To examine the concept and state of spirituality and self-transcendence at both individual
and organisational level.

ii. To identify the various spiritual practices followed by the corporates across the nation.

4. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Primarily, secondary data has been utilised for the study. Relevant books, articles, research papers
were analysed and used for the study.

5. SPIRITUALITY

Spirituality is an age old concept but it has evolved as a new buzzword amongst the researchers and
corporates. It is a very broad phenomenon varying across individuals. It is a continuous discovery and
interpretation that a person makes about them. Spirituality emerges from deep within an individual.
Spirituality has its origin from the inner soul, which defines an individual. Pathak & Vishnu identified
that the traits, strength, ideologies of an individual emerge from his soul. The soul of an individual
distinguishes oneself from the masses giving them a unique identity. Spirituality is a construct that
resides deep within an individual. It is a trait that shapes the behaviour, personality and value system
of an individual. Spirituality also explains that there is something that exists beyond the physical body
of an individual. Spirituality cannot be seen, touched or felt. It is both a discovery and enigma for the
generations. Spirituality is an essential aspect of the human identity and also plays a crucial role in
execution of various decisions and activities. It is also asserted that spirituality acts as a guide to make
ethical decisions. It facilitates to undertake an activity with heart and soul in full force. The objective
of spirituality is to enlighten the soul and to connect to it for achieving various individual and
organisational objectives [8]. Based on the research conducted by Mitroff and Denton, while

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interviewing the companies their study asserted that spirituality at workplace can be harnessed for
attaining competitive advantage [9].

6. SPIRITUALITY IN CORPORATES: EMERGING DYNAMISM

Materialistic benefits can provide only extrinsic satisfaction. An urging need has been felt for
satisfying of inner needs and contentment. The peace and tranquillity can be achieved by altering the
inner self only. The fast pace of growth and dynamism in the workplace has resulted in stress. With
the advent of globalisation, the organisations are required to compete with both domestic and foreign
players. Human relations have lost importance due to mechanical lifestyle which is completely driven
by work pressure. Marques et al. (2008) in their book, “Spirituality in the Workplace” identified that
the spirituality movement began in the 1990’s by which individuals started to abide by their spiritual
values at the workplace. Spirituality helped the employees to find peace and satisfaction at their work.
Spirituality at workplace encompasses meaningful work; interconnectedness to a supreme force,
simplicity and self-expression [10]. Various authors have tried to define workplace spirituality.
Giacalone and Jurkiewicz have defined workplace spirituality as a composition of organizational
values evident in a culture that facilitates employee’s experience of transcendence through the work
process, promoting their sense of being connected to others in such a way that results in feelings of
connectedness and joy [11]. Henson R. (2003) opined that individuals spend maximum time at the
workplaces, so they have started to turn towards the organisation to quench their spiritual needs. It is
also encouraged because it has proved to be a beneficiary for the growth and development of the
organisations [12]. Ashmos & Duchon (2000) emphasized that this new development that has become
apparent in organisations has been also termed as the spirituality movement. It has been identified as a
significant transformation where organisations have started to make place for spirituality characterised
by meaningful & purposeful work and sense of community [13]. Milliman et al. (2008) asserted that
the employees of today demand that spirituality should occupy the same place as their intelligence at
the workplace [1]. Singh et al. (2017) examined a study by Tata Institute of Social Sciences that
surveyed 1000 executives from 25 different companies. The results of the study showed that 88% of
the participants confirmed that they could better handle stress after engaging in Art of Living program.
[14] Burack E. (1999) stated that the allurement of spirituality is apparent in the corporate world. A
large number of organisations have reported to imbibe spirituality in their strategies, environment and
workplace. This allurement is due to significant changes in the economy characterised by downsizing,
environment of distrust, long working hours, profit maximisation and trimming of employee benefits
[15]. Companies are trying to reach for workplace spirituality by organising seminars, conferences,
yoga, meditation classes. Art of Living courses organised by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar offers customised
motivational programs and workshops to the corporates. One such program run by them is APEX
course which has gained popularity among the corporates. Another technique is of Vipassana which
has been well accepted by the businesses in India. This technique primarily deals with the wellbeing
of individuals and has also succeeded in coping with stress associated with the professional life of the
business executives. The experiences gained out of this technique have also helped them to align
ethics and spiritual values into their routine business activities. Similar programmes are also organised
by Maharishi institute of management studies for the corporate Leaders. [16].

Prominent corporate honchos around the world have realised the importance of spirituality. They have
inculcated it both in their personal and organisational environment. It has influenced their
management style and organisational decisions. Neeb Karori Baba, who died in 1973, is considered as
a mystical saint of North India. He influenced corporate honchos like Steve Jobs & Mark
Zuckerberg. Narayanan (2015) reported that Zuckerberg realised the importance of staying
connected on his spiritual visits. It has helped him to reinforce the same in his
organisation [17].The below table elaborates the spiritual practices initiated by various
corporates.

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Table 1: Spiritual Practices undertaken by the prominent companies

Name of the Companies Spiritual Initiatives

PowerGrid Corporation of India Conducted programs encompassing spiritual contents
such as Art of living and courses from Isha foundation
Maruti Suzuki, Indian Oil Corporation, Larsen & Mind enlightenment and spiritual sessions by
Toubro, Sony Entertainment Television, Brahmakumaris
GE ,Apollo, Godrej Industries,
Eicher Consultancy Services, Abbott India, Yoga and meditation workshops for its employees
Mahindra & Mahindra, Novartis, Trident Hotels
Escotel, Oriental Insurance, Dabur Vipassana retreats
Airtel , HP ,Hero Honda, TVS, Satyam Maharishi Mahesh yogi’s Transcendental meditation
Wipro Sri Aurobindo’s Integral Transformational Yoga,
Vipassana retreats
Indian Railways, Infosys, Snapdeal, Jabong, Yoga and Pranayama sessions
Intel

7. SELF-TRANSCENDENCE

Abraham Maslow(1980) in his book, “The Farther Reaches of Nature” concluded that “transcendence
alludes to the highest and most inclusive or holistic levels of human consciousness, behaving and
relating, as ends rather than means, to oneself, to significant others, to human beings in general, to
other species, to nature, and to the cosmos” [18].

Wong(2016) investigated the importance of self-transcendence and spirituality in human lives. Based
on his research on Victor Frankel he proposed that there are three levels of self-transcendence, which
can be summarized as following:

1. Seeking ultimate meaning: It refers to reaching beyond one’s physical boundaries to gain an
understanding of the invisible power which is not confined to time and space. It is not confined to
the supreme power but it refers to achieving the virtues of truth, kindness and beauty in life.
2. Seeking situational meaning: It refers to surpassing the limits beyond one’s mental and
situational boundaries in order to connect with our spiritual values. This implies being conscious
about the situation with an openness, keenness and humility.
3. Seeking one’s calling- It refers to accomplishing beyond the self-actualisation needs of an
individual in order to follow a higher motive for the good of the masses. It implies to be engaged
and endeavour to achieve a stronger purpose in life. It refers to leading a goal oriented life where
the objective should be to contribute something valuable to others life constantly.
Wong (2016) purported that self-transcendence happens when there is zeal to enlighten the spiritual
values. Consequently, if all three levels of transcendence are practiced, one will automatically develop
a spiritual lifestyle which is guided by good thoughts for every individual and the entire society.
Similarly, spirituality will also contribute to self-transcendence at an individual level. This clearly
implies that both these concepts are interrelated [19]. Abraham Maslow is best known for his
hierarchy of needs. He upgraded the model in 1969 by adding self-transcendence beyond self-
actualisation. He stated that self-transcendence refers to addressing concerns which is for greater good.
It helps to identify issues beyond one’s individual needs. This aids an individual to gain an insight
into the holistic view of the situation. It refers to surpassing the individual needs and desires. An
individual is most benefitted by such a state which is eventually passed on to the entire community.
[20]. As stated earlier, self-transcendence refers to personal progression of an individual which is not
bounded by time, physical and mental constraints. Spirituality is an instrument that helps an
individual to make this transition. Spiritual Transcendence refers to surpassing one’s ego to enhance
one’s consciousness [21].

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8. SELF-TRANSCENDENCE IN BUSINESSES

Chardin identified that spirituality enhances self-confidence and self-awareness, which has been
termed as s process of self-transcendence. This transcendence is also witnessed on organisational
level. In this scenario, conflicts are resolved by employing ethical norms. There is a respect for
individual differences. The different persona and lifestyle of an individual is respected. Herein, every
individual is believed to be connected in the network of life [22]. Bain & Co. developed a value
pyramid comprising of elements meant to yield customer loyalty and sustained growth of the
company. It pertains to four levels of needs which are functional, emotional, life changing and social
impact. Self transcendence was identified at the top of the pyramid which addressed to the concern of
social impact [23].

TOM shoes, a company based in LA excels in self-transcendence. They donate a pair of shoes to the
destitute for every pair of shoes bought by their customers [24]. Venter (2012) identified a company,
Campbell soup (New York based Food Company) which has well embraced the concept of self-
transcendence. The company adheres to ethical behaviour coupled with social responsibility. He has
also identified that GE is another company that has embodied self-transcendence. GE donates to
public schools to improve their performance. The executives of the company also actively work with
the administration to identify the need of the schools. A study by Porter & Kramer revealed that the
average performance of four out of five schools had doubled owing to the initiatives taken by GE [6].

9. CONCLUSION
The article clearly uncovers that a spiritual revolution has begun in the corporate arena owing to the
spiritual initiatives undertaken by them. The companies have made transition from mere economic
units to a more meaningful entity where individual spiritual needs are given importance. The literature
review clearly indicates the positive impact of workplace spirituality on various employee and
organisational variables. Spirituality and workplaces have emerged to be compatible with each other
producing remarkable results. Spirituality has also proven to lower the stress levels amongst the
individuals. Thus, it has resulted in more breathable environment in the present state of fierce
competition experienced by the individuals. The companies invest a fortune in the development of
various skills amongst their employees. Thus, it is suggested that spirituality should occupy a
significant position in the training goals of an organisation. Self-transcendence is a lesser identified
area. However, the articles reveal how the researchers and companies in the west have started
embracing it. It is time to update the Maslow’s hierarchy theory wherein self-transcendence has been
included. The amendment is bound to have phenomenal changes in theory and practise. It will allow
the corporations and individuals to have a broader picture of what motivates an individual, in turn
improving the organisational performance. It throws light on having a deeper understanding of needs
of today’s employees. It is proposed that spirituality and self-transcendence should be nurtured and
developed as a soft skill for organisational transformation.

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[3] Pawar (2009); “Individual Spirituality, workplace spirituality and work attitudes-an empirical test of direct
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