The interactive effects of spirituality and trait cynicism on citizenship and counterproductive work behaviors

Abstract

Spirituality is increasingly recognized and accepted as part of the total employee and the general work environment. The following study examined spirituality as a moderator between an employee personality trait (cynicism) and discretionary job performance dimensions (citizenship behavior and counterproductive work behavior). This exploration integrates the literature on spirituality, cynicism and performance by probing the relationship between negative personality traits and performance while considering the interactive effects of cynicism and spirituality. Specifically, trait cynicism was predicted to have a direct impact on performance. Results did not support this prediction. However, as expected, there was a significant interaction between cynicism and spirituality such that there were significant differences in the performance of highly spiritual cynics and those low in spirituality. Implications are discussed.

Reducing Deviant Behavior through Workplace Spirituality and Job Satisfaction

“…However, only a few studies have focused on workplace spirituality as a key factor that could influence employee deviant behaviour, despite evidence from previous studies demonstrating spirituality as an important element in the lives of individuals (James, Miles, & Mullins, 2011). Workplace spirituality refers to "the recognition that employees have an inner life that nourishes and is nourished by meaningful work that takes place in a community" (Ashmos & Duchon, 2000, p. 137).…”

“…Previously, spirituality and management have been thought to be incompatible, but presently they have become linked together (James, Miles, & Mullins, 2011). Academics and practitioners now realize that promoting workplace spirituality can help improve employee performance (James, Miles, & Mullins, 2011).…”

“…Academics and practitioners now realize that promoting workplace spirituality can help improve employee performance (James, Miles, & Mullins, 2011). Several scholars contend that besides improving performance, spirituality can lead to higher productivity, greater contribution to the organization, better decision-making, increased problem solving capabilities, higher intuitive capacities, greater creativity, and overall more efficient use of human and material resources (Weitz, Vardi, & Setter, 2012).…”

“…Several scholars contend that besides improving performance, spirituality can lead to higher productivity, greater contribution to the organization, better decision-making, increased problem solving capabilities, higher intuitive capacities, greater creativity, and overall more efficient use of human and material resources (Weitz, Vardi, & Setter, 2012). If appropriately managed, workplace spirituality may serve as a personal mechanism for controlling individual behaviour at work (James, Miles, & Mullins, 2011).…”

Workplace Spirituality and Occupation: A Study of Employees in Higher Education Institutions

“…Researchers and practitioners now realize that supporting workplace spirituality can to a certain extent help improve employee performance [8] [9]. Several scholars suggest that besides improving performance, spirituality can result in higher productivity, increased problem solving capabilities, better decision making, higher intuitive capabilities, greater creativity and more efficient utilization of resources [10].…”