Exploring the influence of dimensions of workplace spirituality on innovative work behaviour: role of sense of God

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to identify the various dimensions of workplace spirituality (WPS) and determine whether these dimensions act as predictors of innovative work behaviour (IWB) among bank employees. This study also aims at studying the moderating role played by sense of God (SOG) between WPS and IWB. Design/methodology/approach The methodology involved both qualitative and quantitative approaches. This study was carried out in two phases. Item generation, questionnaire development and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were conducted in phase 1. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted in phase 2. Seven WPS dimensions originated through EFA, which got validated through CFA later. Structural equation modelling was used for hypotheses testing. To explore the proposed relationships, cross-sectional survey was done on a sample of bank employees from public, private and foreign banks. Findings The findings reveal that WPS is a seven-factor construct and affects the IWB of bank employees. The results indicated that four dimensions of WPS significantly increase IWB, and that SOG moderates the relationship between WPS and IWB. Research limitations/implications With increasing globalization, there is a growing concern as to whether Indian employers would be able to meet employees’ spiritual needs. Indians tend to have high inclination towards God; through their religious associations, they try to develop a sense of spiritualism. Awareness about the effect of SOG and also the dimensions of WPS on IWB will help organizations in designing effective interventions for making employees more innovative. Originality/value The authors believe that the empirical studies testing the consequences of WPS on IWB in the banking industry are limited; also, SOG’s role as a moderator remains unexplored; thus, this study is an attempt to fill the gaps.

Linking Inclusive Leadership, Workplace Spirituality, and Innovative Work Behaviour to Job Performance: An Empirical Study in Public Sector

“…These findings demonstrate a significant positive relationship between workplace spirituality and job performance. These results are in line with previous research, which shows the positive influence of spirituality in the workplace on job performance (Ke et al, 2022;Jena, 2022;Nwanzu and Babalola, 2021;Do, 2018) and also long-term organizational stability, efficiency and high levels of motivation (Saxena and Prasad, 2023). Workplace spirituality is associated with meaningful work, a sense of community, and alignment with organisational values (Milliman et al, 2003).…”

“…Meanwhile, Milliman et al (2003) divided workplace spirituality into three categories: alignment with company values, meaningful work, and a sense of community. Additionally, workplace spirituality helps businesses achieve comprehensive employee performance, long-term organizational stability, effectiveness, and high levels of inspiration and creativity (Saxena and Prasad, 2023) (Saxena and Prasad, 2023). Some previous studies stated that workplace spirituality can have a positive influence on employee performance (Ke et al, 2022;Jena, 2022;Nwanzu and Babalola, 2021;Do, 2018).…”

“…Thus, the third hypothesis for this study is: H3: Inclusive leadership positively affects innovative work behaviour. Furthermore, workplace spirituality enables organizations to achieve comprehensive employee performance and high levels of motivation and creativity (Saxena and Prasad, 2023). The study conducted by Afsar and Badir (2017) suggests that employees with strong spiritual dimensions derive meaning and purpose from their work, enabling them to think critically and creatively, thus generating innovative solutions to problems.…”

“…Additionally, workplace spirituality also influences employees' innovative work behaviour. Employees need meaningful work to create and implement new ideas (Saxena and Prasad, 2023). Several previous studies examining the relationship between workplace spirituality and innovative work behaviour have shown a significant positive relationship between workplace spirituality and innovative work behaviour (Afsar and Badir, 2017;Bantha and Nayak, 2020;Hunsaker and Ding, 2022).…”

“…Contemporary organizations recognize the significance of fostering workplace spirituality. When employees discover work that resonates with their sense of purpose and provides soul-satisfying fulfilment, it can unlock their full capabilities, yielding positive outcomes for both the individual and the organization (Saxena and Prasad, 2023). However, research on spiritual climate that can influence innovative work behaviour has never been studied in public organizations (Srirahayu et al, 2023).…”