Workplace Spirituality and the Motivational Impact of Meaningful Work: An Experimental Study

Abstract

The question of whether the Spiritual Self affects workplace behavior and performance, not just job attitudes, bears directly on the business case for workplace spirituality. This study seeks to extend prior research by examining the relationship between meaningful work, a component of workplace spirituality, and worker motivation. The study pioneered an experimental method focused on measurable performance outcomes. Temporal order was controlled, allowing causality to be established. The study demonstrates workers who connect a self-transcendent purpose to otherwise mundane tasks are both more productive and satisfied. The empirical evidence for workplace spirituality is compelling and points towards future research directions