In this paper we begin to address the topic of researching spirituality in the workplace. The notion of spirituality at work has been an increasing focus of attention in the academic literature over the last 10 years or so, with several special editions of journals being dedicated to the topic. However, we find at least two areas of this work so far to be problematic. One aspect relates to the apparent ambiguity relating to the term 'spirituality' in itself and, especially, in comparison to the use of the word 'religion'. Another aspect refers to the motives and drivers behind the study of workplace spirituality and the search for 'higher meaning'. In essence, we find the predominant objectives behind the research to be highly instrumental. Sometimes this seems to be deliberately espoused but sometimes it is more hidden. This paper attempts a preliminary critical review of the field with a special emphasis on the issues it raises for the researcher. In particular, we seek to show how the way in which 'spirituality' is conceived and constructed directly affects decisions related to methodologica l choice and (ultimately) to research design itself. We close the paper by reflecting on the importance of the topic and yet the dangers inherent in appearing to trivialise its nature.

Researching Spirituality and Meaning in the Workplace

A conceptual framework for leadership development in the South African police service based on transformative learning theory

Psychological constructs may have significant influence on police leadership. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between, Emotional Intelligence, Self-Efficacy and Leadership Effectiveness within a policing context. Leadership within the policing environment in particular the South African context has raised contentious issues over the past decade. This research adopted a quantitative study and the sample was made up of 107 police personnel in commanding positions. The measuring instruments used were the Assessing Emotions Scale, Self-Efficacy Scale and Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire. The results of this research study confirm a positive relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Self-Efficacy and Leadership Effectiveness. The insights gained from the findings may be used to guide selection of future leaders within the policing environment and may also be used to establish future developmental programmes and
research initiatives.

The role of emotional intelligence and self-efficacy as attributes of leadership effectiveness

Does the discursive formation of leadership theory hinder the development and practise of alternative leadership styles in the UK? This research question is in response to the issues summarised in the PriceWaterhouseCooper's 2008 report on Key Trends in Human Capital. Eight years into the new millennium, leadership is still at the top of the human capital agenda. Although companies invest considerable amounts of money in leadership development, the report suggests that there is limited evidence of leadership programmes delivering value for money, and that three in every ten leaders in the UK do not demonstrate essential leadership qualities. This indicates issues with the practical application of leadership research. The common denominator of all leadership research and application is the leadership theories. The theories are an easily comprehensible, continuous series of events that lead into the present of leadership, supporting all leadership research. Unquestioned assumptions support the theory framework, becoming commonly accepted truths. These suppositions include; the grounding of theory and research in reality; leadership is a fundamental component of the human condition; that social and economic progress has only been possible due to leadership, together with the unquestioned dismissal of alternative voices. Finally there is a notion that leadership theory evolves, drawing on a Darwinian event of natural selection, by evoking biological empirical science to explain a discursive structure. The research and the subject of this paper is to challenge the assumptions and framework of leadership theory through the creation of a research strategy based on Foucault's methods, creating a rhizome of contingencies rather than a progressive tree of knowledge. The paper will address definitions of the archive, archaeology and genealogy, as contextualised within the research.

Developing a new Perspective on Leadership Theory: From a Tree of Knowledge to a Rhizome of Contingencies

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Developing a new Perspective on Leadership Theory: From a Tree of Knowledge to a Rhizome of Contingencies