Abstract
The aim of this research was to explore the perceptions of workplace spirituality in an insurance organization undergoing change. This was a quantitative and descriptive study in a particular region of an insurance organization in South Africa. A questionnaire, with closed-ended and open-ended questions, was used to survey a sample taken from the study population, which included all employees in the east coast region of the organization. Non-probability sampling, in particular convenience sampling, was used to identify the sample. The results of the study found that leaders in the insurance organization seem to be positively impacted by spirituality and tend to show spiritual leadership characteristics; employees support and have a high regard for workplace spirituality. Therefore, this study indicates that spiritual leadership is conducive to fostering organizational value arising from work that is perceived as meaningful for the individual in the organization.
TopBackground
The insurance industry in South Africa is facing many challenges, from intensive competition to increased regulation and consumerism. The South African macro-economic environment has not been conducive to growth, with international rating agencies constantly downgrading the country; as well as the impact of the lock-down measures on the economy during the covid-19 pandemic. All these factors require insurance companies, and the financial sector of South Africa, to adapt and/or change their strategies in this intense and complex environment. A lot more pressure has been experienced in the sales distribution departments of insurance companies to sell more, meet targets and show profitability for the company in order to deliver on shareholder value (Danckwerts, 2020).
The sales distribution department of the insurance organization is responsible for the distribution of the company’s products to the public. They distribute their products in various ways: via direct agents, third party agents/brokers and digitally. After considering the environment in which it operates, the company restructured its sales distribution department in order to compete effectively in the environment in which it operates, as well as in the environment which is anticipated in the future. This restructuring results in change, which requires transformational leadership to lead the employees through the process now and in the future. This leadership style can be developed or enhanced via spirituality (Danckwerts, 2020, p. 3).
Change is very disruptive in organizations and for people, costing money and time. People need support measures to help them cope with change, mentally and physically. For organizations, the change which they envisage requires more than just people coping with the changes. For the change to be properly implemented and functional, it requires people to work as efficiently as possible. Coping with change can be a short-term problem which may require short-term solutions. For people to function at their best, and to master the change process, a different approach is required to bring out the best in people.
Spirituality helps leaders become transformational leaders. Green, Wheeler and Hodgson (2012, p. 38) explain that “the higher leaders scored on existential spiritual well-being and extrinsic religiosity, the more followers rated the leaders as transformational”. It is imperative to raise the awareness of spirituality in the workplace for leadership and people to be influenced by spirituality. For this to happen it is important to know the current level of spirituality, as a starting point, before introducing spirituality within an organization.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Leadership: Providing guidance, inspiration, and motivation to individuals in the organization in pursuit of common goals.
Change: Doing things differently, such as altering methods or processes.
Workplace Spirituality: A set of values that enable the individual in the organization to pursue personal well-being and boost morale in order to find meaning and satisfaction.
Spiritual Leadership: A leadership style that enables individuals to delve deep into their inner core in order to be nurture self-awareness and mindfulness.