International CaseSpirituality in the Workplace7Traditionally, the workplace and spirituality did not mix in America. But things are changing.Andre Delbecq, a professor at Santa Clara University, a Jesuit institution, said, "There were twothings I thought I'd never see in my life, the fall of the Russian empire and God being spokenabout in a business school." Now management books and conferences (including the annualmeeting of the Academy of Management) deal with the various aspects of how God can bebrought into the organizational environment. To be sure, people who want to integrate spiritualdimensions into the workplace are still considered rebels. But ServiceMaster, a Fortune 500company with some 75,000 employees, created a spiritual organization culture many years ago.Indeed, Peter Drucker, one of the most prolific writers on management, had high regard for thecompany that is known for its products such as Terminix, TruGreen, and Merry Maids.When people in the United States were asked if they believe in God, some 95 percent saidyes. It is in a spiritual context that businesspeople under the daily pressure of work can discusstheir inner feelings. As the baby boomers, now in their 50s, are reaching the top in their cor-porate life, they begin to wonder what life is all about. They lived through the youth cultureof the 1960s and the greed-dominated 1980s. They are now questioning the real meaning oflife and the ethical dimension of work. Jose Zeilstra, an executive at PriceWaterhouseCoopers,worked around the world, practicing her Christian principles in different cultures. During her as-signment in China, she strongly argued against the practice of giving "very expensive gifts." As aresult, the business deal did not work out. Yet, in the long run, integrating her personal beliefswith her work resulted in a very successful career. Academic institutions such as the Universityof St. Thomas, University of Denver, and Harvard Divinity School are following and studying themovement of spirituality. Other American schools such as Antioch University, University of NewHaven, University of Scranton, and Santa Clara University, as well as institutions abroad such asthe University of Bath in England and the Indian Center for Encouraging Excellence in India, areconducting research, conferences, or lectures on spirituality.The cover story of Business Week (November 1, 1999) discussed how companies such as TacoBell, Pizza Hut, McDonald's, and Xerox pay attention to the spiritual needs of their employees.Some companies claim an increase in productivity, decrease in turnover, and reduction in fear.A research study by the consulting firm McKinsey in Australia found that firms with spiritualprograms showed reduced turnover and improved productivity. Professor lan I. Mitroff at theUniversity of Southern California even stated, "Spirituality could be the ultimate competitiveadvantage." But there is also the concern that cult members and groups with a radical perspec-tive could use the workplace for their own aims. Still, employees in companies that integratespirituality in their workplace count on the potential benefits of greater respect for individuals,more humane treatment of their fellow workers, and an environment with greater trust thatpermeates their organization.Questions1. What does spirituality mean to you?2. Could spirituality affect ethical behavior?3. Is this topic appropriate for business?4. What are the arguments for and against inclusion of spirituality in business?

1. Spirituality implies the a balance that people attain between spirt, mind and body. It is now a…

Questions 1. What does spirituality mean to you? 2. Could spirituality affect ethical behavior? 3. Is this topic appropriate for business? 4. What are the arguments for and against inclusion of spirituality in business?

Questions 1. What does spirituality mean to you? 2. Could spirituality affect ethical behavior? 3. Is this topic appropriate for business? 4. What are the arguments for and against inclusion of spirituality in business?

Understanding Business

12th Edition

ISBN:9781259929434

Author:William Nickels

Publisher:William Nickels

Chapter1: Taking Risks And Making Profits Within The Dynamic Business Environment

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1CE

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