Article: Individual Differences in Workplace Spirituality: Implications for Deep-Level Diversity and Team Outcomes Journal: Journal of Business and Management (JBM) 2024 Vol.29 No.2 pp.1 - 26 Abstract: Purpose - This paper explores a new concept that is relevant to the mix of individual differences inherent in organizational teams: workplace spiritual diversity (WSD). The purpose of the research is to provide leaders with an additional and unique way to conceptualize group-level diversity while understanding its potential impact on important team outcomes. Method - Conceptualization and theoretical model development are conducted at the intersection of two previously separate fields. Consistent with prior research, the WSD construct is operationalized along three key dimensions: inner life, meaningful work, and community. Findings - The newly proposed framework suggests numerous possibilities for team composition along with WSD. We develop propositions suggesting that, under the right team conditions, this type of diversity can have positive effects on conflict, team satisfaction, cohesiveness, performance, and creativity. Limitation - This study's conceptual framework offers a pathway for future research in this area, which is currently somewhat limited. Future work should examine the effect of WSD on organizational outcomes and the moderating effect of the diversity mindset. Implications - This work should have important practical implications for team composition and diversity in organizations. An enhanced understanding of deep-level diversity and WSD can provide additional insight for leaders in terms of team building and role assignment. Furthermore, the addition of the diversity mindset, as a key moderator variable in the theoretical model, can provide a further understanding of the conditions that would be conducive to an enhanced understanding of the importance of such group composition. Originality - This conceptual research is the first to explore the intersection between concepts related to deep-level diversity and the growing interest in management spirituality and religion. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Individual Differences in Workplace Spirituality: Implications for Deep-Level Diversity and Team Outcomes

Authors: Bryan S. Schaffer; Joseph S. Leah; Gerald A. Schoenfeld

Addresses: Author address listing can be found in the "About the Authors" section at the end of the article.

Abstract: Purpose - This paper explores a new concept that is relevant to the mix of individual differences inherent in organizational teams: workplace spiritual diversity (WSD). The purpose of the research is to provide leaders with an additional and unique way to conceptualize group-level diversity while understanding its potential impact on important team outcomes. Method - Conceptualization and theoretical model development are conducted at the intersection of two previously separate fields. Consistent with prior research, the WSD construct is operationalized along three key dimensions: inner life, meaningful work, and community. Findings - The newly proposed framework suggests numerous possibilities for team composition along with WSD. We develop propositions suggesting that, under the right team conditions, this type of diversity can have positive effects on conflict, team satisfaction, cohesiveness, performance, and creativity. Limitation - This study's conceptual framework offers a pathway for future research in this area, which is currently somewhat limited. Future work should examine the effect of WSD on organizational outcomes and the moderating effect of the diversity mindset. Implications - This work should have important practical implications for team composition and diversity in organizations. An enhanced understanding of deep-level diversity and WSD can provide additional insight for leaders in terms of team building and role assignment. Furthermore, the addition of the diversity mindset, as a key moderator variable in the theoretical model, can provide a further understanding of the conditions that would be conducive to an enhanced understanding of the importance of such group composition. Originality - This conceptual research is the first to explore the intersection between concepts related to deep-level diversity and the growing interest in management spirituality and religion.

Keywords: Workplace spirituality; teams; diversity; relational demography.

DOI: 10.1504/JBM.2024.141305

Journal of Business and Management, 2024 Vol.29 No.2, pp.1 - 26

Published online: 05 Sep 2024 *

Title: Individual Differences in Workplace Spirituality: Implications for Deep-Level Diversity and Team Outcomes

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