An Economy of Abundance: From Scarcity to Human Potential in Organizational and University Life

Abstract

Emerging research and practice in workplace psychology is moving toward assessing people on a subset of competencies that divide the population into high and low potential employees. This article explores recent psychological research and business practices that have led to this state. Using the biblical story of the feeding of the 5,000 and Wesleyan theology around place, purpose, practice, and partnership, we illustrate how Christian thinkers and educators can acknowledge and transcend these findings and move from a scarcity to a perisseúma or abundance framework. Implications for organizational life in general and Christian higher education in particular are discussed.