The Impact of an Individual’s Spirituality on Communication in the Workplace

Authors

Priscilla Lynne Young
Guo-Ming Chen, University of Rhode IslandFollow

Document Type

Article

Date of Original Version

2013

Department

Communication Studies

Abstract

This study investigates how individuals practice spirituality in the workplace. Ethnographies are conducted of 20 full-time employees in a college who follow a religious or spiritual practice. Results illustrate individuals’ belief in and desire for connection. Participants believe that one’s religion or spirituality is central to one’s life, serving as a moral compass for behavior that impacts relationships with others and one’s relationship with a higher power or “source.” Participants’ spontaneous communication in the workplace is not always informed by their religiosity or spirituality, though they desire that it would be. More often than not, participants’ communication is mediated by a conscious decision to pause, reflect, and then respond. This mindful behavior directly relates to individuals’ desire for connection with other human beings through positive, open, nonjudgmental, and interpersonal communication. A model of spiritually-informed communication in the workplace is established based on the results. Limitations and directions for future research are also discussed.

Publication Title, e.g., Journal

China Media Research

Volume

9

Issue

3

Citation/Publisher Attribution

Young, P., & Chen, G. M. (2013). The impact of an individual’s spirituality on communication in the workplace. China Media Research, 9(3), 99-110.

Available at: https://www.chinamediaresearch.net/index.php/back-issues?id=64