Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The Role of Dignity in Workplace Well-Being: A Relational Cultural Perspective

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
The Palgrave Handbook of Fulfillment, Wellness, and Personal Growth at Work

Abstract

Within humanistic management, the protection and promotion of dignity are central to employee well-being, development, and flourishing. However, despite the relational nature of workplace dignity and the importance of using relational skills to support it, management scholars have yet to contextualize and explore dignity within specific relational theories of human well-being. Such theories could offer scholars and practitioners a more nuanced understanding of employee dignity and well-being, as well as a set of corresponding skills for supporting these. Therefore, the purpose of this chapter is to explore the nature and meaning of dignity within a specific theory of human well-being, relational cultural theory (RCT); and, to identify RCT-related skills in support of employee dignity and well-being. Building upon RCT, dignity is conceptualized as “mutuality of mattering.” Two interrelated and overarching RCT-related skills in support of employee dignity and well-being are discussed. The first of these is the use of co-active power with, rather than power over, others in ways that allow for the emergence rather than suppression of moral emotion and constructive, growth-fostering conflict. The second of these is enabling resonance and providing support for health-sustaining, politically-engaged forms of resistance against dignity violations that comprise disconnections from authentic and vital workplace relationships.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 189.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 249.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Bal, M. (2017). Dignity in the workplace: New theoretical perspectives. Palgrave Macmillan.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Bal, M., & Dóci, E. (2018). Neoliberal ideology in work and organizational psychology. European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology, 27(5), 536–548. https://doi.org/10.1080/1359432X.2018.1449108

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Collins, P. H. (2000). Black feminist thought: Knowledge, consciousness, and the politics of empowerment (2nd ed.). Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Czarniawska, B. (2008). Humiliation: A standard organizational product? Critical Perspectives in Accounting, 19(7), 1034–1053. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpa.2007.01.004

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Duffey, T., & Trepal, H. (2016). Introduction to the special section on relational-cultural theory. Journal of Counseling & Development, 94(4), 379–382. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcad.12095

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fletcher, J. K. (1999). Disappearing acts: Gender, power, and relational practice at work. MIT Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Fletcher, J. K. (2004). Relational theory in the workplace. In J. V. Jordan, M. Walker, & L. M. Hartling (Eds.), Complexity of connection (pp. 270–298). The Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fletcher, J. K. (2007). Leadership, power, and positive relationships. In J. E. Dutton & B. R. Ragins (Eds.), Exploring positive relationships at work: Building a theoretical and research foundation (pp. 347–371). Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fletcher, J. K. (2012). The relational practice of leadership. In M. Uhl-Bien & S. M. Ospina (Eds.), Advancing relational leadership research: A dialogue among perspectives (pp. 83–106). IAP Information Age Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fletcher, J. K., & Ragins, B. R. (2007). Stone centre relational cultural theory: A window on relational mentoring. In. B. R. Ragins & K. E. Kram (Eds.), The handbook of mentoring at work: Theory, research, and practice (pp. 373–399). Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Folger, R., Cropanzano, R., & Godman, B. (2005). What is the relationship between justice and morality? In J. Greenberg & J. A. Colquitt (Eds.), Handbook of organizational justice (pp. 215–245). Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gilligan, C. (1991). Womens psychological development: Implications for psychotherapy. In C. Gilligan, A. G. Rogers, & D. L. Tolman (Eds.), Women, girls & psychotherapy: Reframing resistance (pp. 5–32). Harrington Park Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gilligan, C. (2010). Joining the resistance. Polity Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gilligan, C., & Snider, N. (2018). Why does patriarchy persist? Polity.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hartling, L. M., & Lindner, E. G. (2016). Healing from humiliation: From reaction to creative action. Journal of Counseling & Development, 94(4), 383–390. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcad.12096

  • Hartling, L. M., & Lindner, E. G. (2018). Can systemic humiliation be transformed into systemic dignity? In D. Rothbart (Ed.), Systemic humiliation in America: Finding dignity within systems of degradation (pp. 19–51). Palgrave Macmillan.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Hartling, L. M., & Luchetta, T. (1999). Humiliation: Assessing the impact of derision, degradation, and debasement. The Journal of Primary Prevention, 19(4), 259–278. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022622422521

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hartling, L. M., Rosen, W., Walker, M., & Jordan, J. V. (2004). Shame and humiliation: From isolation to relational transformation. In J. V. Jordan, M. Walker, & L. M. Hartling (Eds.), The complexity of connection (pp. 103–128). The Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hartling, L. M., & Sparks, E. (2008). Relational-cultural practice: Working in a non-relational world. In J. V. Jordan (Ed.), The power of connection (pp. 185–188). Haworth Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hernandez, M. A. (2018). Sa Kawanangan: In the cosmos. In D. Gunderson, D. Graff, & K. Craddock (Eds.), Transforming community: Stories of connection through the lens of relational cultural theory (pp. 313–319). WholePerson.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hicks, D., & Waddock, S. (2016). Dignity, wisdom, and tomorrow’s business leader. Society and Business Review, 121(3), 447–462. https://doi.org/10.1111/basr.12094

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hodson, R. (2001). Dignity at work. Cambridge University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Hojman, D., & Miranda, Á. (2018). Agency, human dignity, and subjective well-being. World Development, 101(C), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2017.07.029

  • Horney, K. (1945). Our inner conflicts. W. W. Norton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Islam, G. (2013). Recognizing employees: Reification, dignity and promoting care in management. Cross Cultural Management, 20(2), 235–250. https://doi.org/10.1108/13527601311313490

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jordan, J. V. (2008a). Learning at the margin: New models of strength. In J. V. Jordan (Ed.), The power of connection (pp. 189–208). Haworth Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jordan, J. V. (2008b). Valuing vulnerability: New definitions of courage. Women & Therapy, 31(2–4), 209–233. https://doi.org/10.1080/02703140802146399

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jordan, J. V. (2018). Relational cultural therapy. American Psychological Association.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Kashyap, R. (2009). Narrative and truth: A feminist critique of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Contemporary Justice Review, 12(4), 449–467. https://doi.org/10.1080/10282580903343100

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Klein, D. C. (1991). The humiliation dynamic: An overview. The Journal of Primary Prevention, 12(2), 93–121.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kożusznik, B. (2017). Humiliation: Why we deserve respect at work. In N. Chmiel, F. Fraccaroli, & M. Sverke (Eds.), An introduction to work and organizational psychology: An international perspective (3rd ed., pp. 498–505). Wiley.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Leask, P. (2013). Losing trust in the world: Humiliation and its consequences. Psychodynamic Practice, 19(2), 129–142. https://doi.org/10.1080/14753634.2013.778485

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lucas, L. (2015). Workplace dignity: Communicating inherent, earned, and remediated dignity. Journal of Management Studies, 52(5), 621–646. https://doi.org/10.1111/joms.12133

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lucas, K., Manikas, A. S., Mattingly, E. S., & Crider, C. J. (2017). Engaging and misbehaving: How dignity affects employee work behaviors. Organization Studies, 38(11), 1505–1527. https://doi.org/10.1177/0170840616677634

  • Mann, J. (1998). Dignity and health: The UDHR’s revolutionary first Article. Health and Human Rights, 3(2), 30–38.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Melé, D. (2014). “Human quality treatment”: Five organizational levels. Journal of Business Ethics, 120(4), 457–471. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-013-1999-1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Miller, J. B. (1986). Toward a new psychology of women (2nd ed.). Beacon Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miller, J. B. (1988). Connections, disconnections, and violations. Work in Progress, No. 33. Stone Center Working Paper Series.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miller, J. B., & Stiver, I. (1995). Relational images and their meanings in psychotherapy. Work in Progress, No. 74. Stone Center Working Paper Series.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miller, J. B., & Stiver, I. P. (1997). The healing connection: How women form relationships in therapy and in life. Beacon Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Motulsky, S. L. (2010). Relational processes in career transition: Extending theory, research, and practice. The Counseling Psychologist, 38(8), 1078–1114. https://doi.org/10.1177/0011000010376415

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nussbaum, M. (2006). Frontiers of justice. Harvard University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pirson, M. (2019). A humanistic perspective for management theory: Protecting dignity and promoting well-being. Journal of Business Ethics, 159, 39–57. https://doi.org/10.1007/s1055-017-3755-4

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pirson, M. (2020). A humanistic narrative for responsible management learning: An ontological perspective. Journal of Business Ethics, 162, 775–793. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-020-04426-3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pirson, M., Goodpaster, K., & Dierksmeier, C. (2016). Human dignity and business. Business Ethics Quarterly, 26(4), 465–478. https://doi.org/10.1017/beq.2016.47

  • Pless, N. M., Maak, T., & Harris, H. (2017). Art, ethics and the promotion of human dignity. Journal of Business Ethics, 144, 223–232. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-017-3467-9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Prussia, L. (2018). A natural connection: Relational cultural theory and the environment. In D. Gunderson, D. Graff, & K. Craddock (Eds.), Transforming community: Stories of Connection through the lens of relational cultural theory (pp. 303–312). WholePerson.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sayer, A. (2007). Dignity at work: Broadening the agenda. Organization, 14(4), 565–581.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Simola, S. (2022). Humiliation and dignity. In D. Poff & A. Michalos (Eds.), Encyclopedia of business and professional ethics. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-23514-1_1307-1

  • Simola, S. K. (2010). Anti-corporate anger as a form of care-based moral agency. Journal of Business Ethics, 94, 255–269. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-011-0755-7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Simola, S. K. (2016). Mentoring the morally courageous: A relational cultural perspective. Career Development International, 21(4), 340–354. https://doi.org/10.1108/CDI-01-2016-0010

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Smith, D. (2008). Globalization, degradation and the dynamics of humiliation. Current Sociology, 56(3), 371–379. https://doi.org/10.1177/0011392107088230

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Walker, M. (2004). Race, self and society: Relational challenges in a culture of disconnection. In J. V. Jordan, M. Walker, & L. M. Hartling (Eds.), The complexity of connection (pp. 90–102). The Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Walker, M. (2008). Power and effectiveness: Envisioning an alternate paradigm. In J. V. Jordan (Ed.), The power of connection (pp. 129–144). Haworth Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Walker, M. (2020). When getting along is not enough: Reconstructing race in our lives and relationships. Teachers College Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ward, J. (2002). The skin we’re in: Teaching our children to be emotionally strong, socially smart, spiritually connected. Free Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Westerman-Behaylo, M. K., Van Buren, H. J., III., & Berman, S. L. (2016). Stakeholder capability enhancement as a path to promote human dignity and cooperative advantage. Business Ethics Quarterly, 26(4), 529–555. https://doi.org/10.1017/beq.2016.46

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Business, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada

    Sheldene Simola

Authors
  1. Sheldene Simola
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sheldene Simola .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Business, Woodbury University, Burbank, CA, USA

    Joan Marques

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2023 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Simola, S. (2023). The Role of Dignity in Workplace Well-Being: A Relational Cultural Perspective. In: Marques, J. (eds) The Palgrave Handbook of Fulfillment, Wellness, and Personal Growth at Work. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-35494-6_6

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation