Abstract:
This study explores the viability of a new paradigm, New Age Spirituality (NAS) that has evolved in the Western world over the course of the last three decades, to engender change in organizations. It considers, among other things, its process of adaptation, embeddedness within specific structures of power relations, and its potential contribution to workplace organizing. The analysis is informed by a feminist perspective, considering the ontological differences between NAS and secular organizations. Based on a review of empirical research, the study proposes a model describing NAS embodiment in secular organizations.
The study contributes to existing organizational research by reviewing the conceivable venues (in terms of public visibility and potential impact) that organizations “allow” for alternatives to be incorporated. In particular, the study demonstrates that alternatives such as NAS, need to be crafted in the mode of the dominant forms of meaning and organizing, in order to be represented in the organization’s public domain. Unless the alternative is translated in terms of the dominant masculine way of knowing, it will be removed from the organizational public domain. However, in practice, in addition to the masculine mode of embodiment, two other modes of embodiment of an alternative are identified. These two “feminine” modes of embodiment suggest that an alternative can lived by individuals as an “individual wisdom,” one that can direct, give meaning and empower employees at work; and that occasionally, it can be acted out, with the potential to make an impact. 

Presenter:
Nurit Zaidman is Associate-Professor and Head of Strategy and International Management Program, Department of Business Administration, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.

ALL WELCOME

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