Abstract
Workplace spirituality and spiritual leadership may previously have been just
new buzzwords in the corporate world, but they have now become important phenomena of
significant scientific inquiry.
Research purpose: The research explored how spiritual leadership can address toxic workplace
cultures, enhance inclusivity, and promote employee well-being in the banking sector in South
Africa to ensure transformation is fast-tracked in the sector.
Motivation for the study: This motivation succinctly captures the study’s purpose by
emphasising the pressing challenges in the banking sector, such as toxicity and exclusivity,
while highlighting the potential of spiritual leadership to drive transformation and success.
Research approach/design and method: A qualitative, exploratory research approach was
adopted. Primary data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 9 participants
and 21 personal narratives, all sourced from a large South African bank. Data were analysed
using interpretive phenomenological analysis.
Main findings: Leadership is dominated by autocratic and transactional styles, further
hindering transformation and reinforcing exclusionary practices. Additionally, there is a
general lack of appreciation for diversity within the workplace. However, cultural and
organisational values align with elements of spiritual leadership. Specific facilitators unique to
the banking sector can enhance spiritual leadership to drive transformation by addressing
systemic issues and promoting a more inclusive culture, and the adoption of spiritual
leadership was shown to enhance workplace dynamics and foster a more inclusive
environment.
Practical/managerial implications: Workplace spirituality must be prioritised to enhance
employees’ well-being, happiness, contentment, and satisfaction across diverse employee
groups.
Contribution/value-add: This study contributes to leadership and organisational research
by highlighting the role of spiritual leadership in addressing toxic workplace cultures,
fostering inclusivity, and enhancing employee well-being, using transformational
leadership as a strategy.