An investigation into business people’s spiritual value compasses

Abstract

The purpose of this study, which primarily focuses on spiritual values, was to develop a measurement for nine spiritual anchors – perfection, compassion, passion, inspiration, investigation, dedication, appreciation, determination and cooperation – as proposed by Karakas (2010). Through the development of such a measurement, the concept and construct of spiritual anchors was investigated and definitions were refined.After reviewing the literature on workplace spirituality and personal values, a Spiritual Value Compass Inventory was developed. The 350 responses received after distributing the inventory to a sample of South African MBA students was analysed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. The findings from these analyses yielded a spiritual value compass model.The spiritual value compass model outlines the spiritual anchors held by this diverse group of businesspeople, which was shaped as “passion”, “compassion”, “investigation” and “determination”. These anchors bear relevance to Karakas’ (2010) original framework for spiritual anchors, however, they have been refined through empirical evidence.The Spiritual Value Compass Inventory and the Spiritual Value Compass model provide professionals and managers with tools to understanding their spirituality and value compasses, and could form part of an important step towards preparing these business leaders to manage and create a workforce that is motivated to perform optimally.