Title: Spiritual leadership of an Indonesian Muslim business leader: a religious spirituality perspective

Authors: Marwansyah

Addresses: Department of Business Administration, Politeknik Negeri Bandung, Jl. Gegerkalong Hilir, Ciwaruga, Bandung, 40559, Indonesia

Abstract: The present study aims to examine the phenomenon of spiritual leadership manifested in Indonesian Muslim culture. Employing a qualitative, case study approach, a business leader and ten employees were investigated. The findings suggest that Fry's spiritual leadership theory is generally applicable to this culture. In this context, it is more relevant to define spirituality as religious spirituality. Inner life is an essential element in shaping a Muslim to become a spiritual leader. This study confirms that the leadership behaviour is derived from Islamic spiritual practices that positively influence the development of hope/faith in a transcendent vision and the values of altruistic love, which in turn resulted in the spiritual well-being of the leader and his followers. The research contributes to the related literature by providing examples of the application of spiritual leadership theory in Muslim culture. By providing an understanding of spirituality within the religion-based conception of spirituality, this study enhances knowledge of spiritual leadership model.

Keywords: spirituality; spiritual leadership; religious spirituality; Indonesian Muslim; inner life; Islamic spiritual practices; Muslim culture.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBG.2017.087294

International Journal of Business and Globalisation, 2017 Vol.19 No.4, pp.528 - 548

Received: 19 Nov 2015
Accepted: 24 May 2016

Published online: 12 Oct 2017 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article