Investigating the Risks of Spiritual Leadership

Abstract

The spiritual leadership literature suggests that such leadership has a positive influence on organizations’ productivity and profitability as well as on employees’ enjoyment and well‐being. In a qualitative study conducted at a Swedish abbey for nuns, using interviews, observations, correspondence, and documents, this research indicates that spiritual leadership may pose negative risks to organizations and their leaders. Risks in spiritual leadership that are indicated include a culture of narrow‐mindedness and leadership rotation failure that can lead to rigidity and to the leader's work overload because of the demand for limitless empathy and for personal sacrifice. The findings should be viewed as an inspiration for further research.

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