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The Evaluative Framework for Workplace Spirituality Assessments: Working Our Strengths and Strengthening Our Work

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Handbook of Faith and Spirituality in the Workplace

Abstract

In this chapter, we develop and pilot-test a framework with which we evaluate workplace spirituality assessments (WSAs). WSAs are used empirically to measure some aspect of workplace spirituality. Building upon Gardner’s work on multiple intelligences and previous reviews of the workplace spirituality literature, we develop a framework with four different evaluative filters. First, we determine which approach to workplace spirituality the WSA concerns, including metaphysical transcendence, existential meaning-making, or religio-spiritual. Next, we assess which foundation of spiritual intelligence is considered, be it computational, empirical, operational, or teleological. Then, we consider whether the WSA is contextualized by cultural bounds and if the WSA considers workplace spirituality critically. Last, we argue that WSAs should be held to the standard of rigor, relevance, and reciprocality. The evaluative framework allows for study- and field-level reflection on the state of WSAs and directs our attention to potential areas of focus.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Wigglesworth’s chapter “Spiritual Intelligence” (this volume) is an exception to this distinction. Her work applies spiritual intelligence to leadership and business, so is better included throughout this chapter as a WSA.

  2. 2.

    As social intelligence is an outgrowth of emotional intelligence, we include it here, although it is not in Wigglesworth’s model.

  3. 3.

    Tirri et al. (2006) nicely operationalize Gardner’s multiple intelligence model with spiritual intelligence into the Multiple Intelligence Profile Questionnaire (MIPQ).

  4. 4.

    While substantiating such a claim is difficult, Gardner’s work has remained the intellectual centerpiece of most academic inquiry and debate related to intelligence. That Gardner’s work on multiple intelligences has been seriously challenged (Schaler and Gardner 2006 (Gardner’s responses to his critics are also included); Morris 2012) is testimony to his gravity as the central figure in this domain.

  5. 5.

    See Schaler and Gardner (2006, p. 20) for a more contemporary response from Gardner against the possibility of a spiritual intelligence.

  6. 6.

    To note, the teleological foundation of intelligence in the framework is conceptually distinct from our extension of CWPS here. Moreover, CWPS differentiates the lens of cultural analysis from general culture to corporate culture analysis—uncovering the “dark side.” The teleological considers a positive valence and greater purpose in WSAs. Critically focusing on WSAs helps determine to what extent the WSA is actually being teleological. For example, a WSA may claim to measure truly enlightening and transformative dimensions of spirit. However, in its theory and/or application, the WSA may be critically interpreted to fall short of it stated purpose. It may be an assessment that does not actually tap into psycho-spiritual aspects and serves as a manipulative tool of management. This critical filter for WSAs affords an invaluable opportunity to uncover possible unstated assumptions and ideological biases that may undermine the ultimately liberating agenda of spirituality at work and its measurement.

  7. 7.

    The Management, Spirituality, and Religion (MSR) Interest Group of the Academy of Management (AOM) focuses on interdisciplinary theoretical and applied research and pedagogy related to the relevance and relationship of spirituality and religion in management and organizational life.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Management, Erivan K. Haub School of Business, Saint Joseph’s University, 5600 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19131-1395, USA

    David S. Steingard

  2. Haub School of Business, Saint Joseph’s University, 5600 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19131-1394, USA

    Ronald L. Dufresne

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  1. David S. Steingard
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  2. Ronald L. Dufresne
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Correspondence to David S. Steingard .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Walton College of Business, University of Arkansas, One at University Avenue, Fayetteville, 72701, Arkansas, USA

    Judi Neal

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Steingard, D.S., Dufresne, R.L. (2013). The Evaluative Framework for Workplace Spirituality Assessments: Working Our Strengths and Strengthening Our Work. In: Neal, J. (eds) Handbook of Faith and Spirituality in the Workplace. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-5233-1_28

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