Spiritual quotient towards organizational sustainability: the Islamic perspective

A Meta-analytic Literature Study on the Relationship Between Workplace Spirituality and Sustainability

Sustaining sustainability is now a matter of deep interest among academics and social scientists. There is an emerging opinion that there is a definite need to add spirituality as the fourth dimension to sustainability. The current meta-analytic study examined this aspect. The study used meta-analysis to examine the relationship between spirituality and sustainability. The research conducted using R-program has meticulously followed all the established protocols and rules of thumb regarding meta-analysis. The analysis was based on 34 studies identified from a preliminary search that yielded 1131 records retrieved from various databases. The study results show that spirituality has the potential to sustain sustainability. Further research could be carried out using more studies, as literature is only emerging in this area. It is expected that the present work will trigger further research on this exciting and fecund topic.

Rethinking survival, renewal, and growth strategies of SMEs in Bangladesh: the role of spiritual leadership in crisis situation

Purpose

For Bangladeshi small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the COVID-19 economic shock is remarkable in both its complexity and intensity. SMEs need systemic inspiration to solve the crisis, aligned with a moral and authentic approach that serves both the leader and the follower’s interests. This study aims to conceptualize the innovation-focused success method of SMEs before and after the pandemic to manage the crisis by establishing spiritual leadership based on Islamic perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

To discuss the impact of spiritual leadership on innovation-focused SME performance configuration through the lens of a crisis, a comprehensive literature study has been carried out in which over 360 articles are read and reviewed by the authors. It has also established the reliability and validity of literature analysis. Also, a qualitative investigation has been used to support the direction of the study.

Findings

For a subsequent process of scientific deployment and evaluation of its execution, a new applied strategic innovation-focused SME success configuration through spiritual leadership development is made available. The primary value of this paradigm is the potential to calculate and treat the aspects of spiritual leadership obtained from Islamic ideas.

Research limitations/implications

Prior analytical or empirical attempts from multiple viewpoints are subsequently needed to inquire about the proposed conceptualization.

Practical implications

Among the realistic consequences of this analysis is that while a number of leadership paradigms have been embraced by a broad body of leadership studies, the findings indicate that this paper should pay heed to the influential spiritual style of leadership, taking into account Islamic perspectives on the context of crisis. Therefore, Bangladeshi SMEs need to develop and run leadership training programs focused on the Islamic viewpoint of spirituality to encourage the actions of leaders during and after crises.

Social implications

The legal and moral values of the society would ultimately be upgraded from this conceptualization. Moreover, less corruption in corporate activities would improve the economic prosperity of a nation. It would also contribute to the cross-cultural portrayal of the positive picture of Islam.

Originality/value

This holistic conceptualization describes the mediating role of strategic innovation practices based on theoretical foundations, which have seldom been done in previous research, between the Islamic model of spiritual leadership and SME success during and after a crisis.

Spiritual quotient towards organizational sustainability: the Islamic perspective

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of spiritual quotient (SQ) on the organisational sustainability from the Islamic perspective. Till date, many organisations around the world are facing environmental, social and economic issues affecting their organisational sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The present paper is conceptual paper based on literature review on employee’s behavioural issues and role of SQ for organisational sustainability.

Findings

This present paper argues that SQ must be considered as the important factor for employee development in the organisation. It develops spiritual awareness among employees which enhances their productivity within the organisation. Furthermore, SQ is necessary means of identifying and harnessing deeper inner resources with the capacity to care for the well-being of the organisation and advance its development.

Research limitations/implications

The paper suggests SQ and its multi-dimensions with the implication for future research in organisational sustainability.

Originality/value

The paper discusses the development of the concept of SQ from the Islamic perspective.