Abstract
A survey conducted among 50 members of the Los Angeles Workforce, all within the age range of 20–50 years, and with a minimum of 2 years of work experience and a minimum of 2 years of college education, delivered results that may be of interest to managers in their efforts to enhance workers’ satisfaction and successfully transcend the challenges of these times. The focus of this study was on values that mattered most in challenging times to members of the workforces. The hypothesis that inner- and inter-human aspects would be considered more important than money and status in such times was highly supported, with values such as love and relationships, and positive motivation, in an overwhelming lead. While financial worries were undoubtedly considered, it was underscored that in times of trouble, employees reach inwardly and outwardly to inner-human and inter-human connectedness.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Aigiang, L. (2009). The Role of HR: Change Mentorship. Industrial Management, 51(1), 26-31.
Ashmos Plowman, D., & Duchon, D. (2005). Nurturing the spirit at work: Impact on work unit performance. The Leadership Quarterly, 16(5), 807-833.
Bidwell, M., Francis, J., Johnson, G., Otuteye, G., & Powell, K. (2009, Jan.). Leadership Perspectives: Staying Up DURING A DOWNTURN. Franchising World, 41, 36-41.
Blausten P (2009) Can authentic leadership survive the downturn?. Business Strategy Review 20(1):84–89.
Blumenstyk, G.: 2008, ‘Economic Downturn Brings Prosperity and Opportunities to For-Profit Colleges’, Chronicle of Higher Education 55(17), A13.
Bordoff, J. E., Furman, J., & Shevlin, P. L. (2007, December). A Hand Up: A Strategy to Reward Work, Expand Opportunity, and Reduce Poverty. Strategy Paper Series, 1-2, 5-31.
Collins, S., & Long, A. (2003). Too tired to care? The psychological effects of working with trauma. Journal of Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing, 10(1), 17-27.
Cooper, M.: 2008, ‘Be Brave, Cowen, the Downturn is an Opportunity for Real Reform’, The Sunday Times 29 June, 16.
Danielson, R.: 2009, ‘Job Seekers Embrace Full-Time Networking’, McClatchy-Tribune Business News, Orig- inally Published by The St. Petersburg Times 19 April.
Dyer, K.: 2008/2009, ‘Change: The Hidden Opportunity for Communicators’, Strategic Communication Management 13(1), 1.
Force, M. S. (2008). The New Normal. The Journal of Government Financial management, 57(4), 4.
Force, M. S. (2009). The Audacity of Hope. The Journal of Government Financial management, 58(1), 4.
Giacalone, R. A., & Jurkiewicz, C. L. (2003). The handbook of workplace spirituality and organizational performance. New York: M.E. Sharpe.
Isaac, W. (2008). Challenges and opportunities lie ahead. American Bankers Association. ABA Banking Journal, 100(11), 78-79.
Kadlec, D.: 2009, ‘How the Crisis is Changing You’, Money: Annual Best List 38(5), 84.
Karakas, F. (2009). New Paradigms in Organization Development: Positivity, Spirituality, and Complexity. Organization Development Journal, 27(1), 11-26.
Marques, J., Dhiman, S. and King, R. (2007). Spirituality in the workplace: What it is, why it matters, how to make it work for you. Personhood Press, Fawnskin, CA.
Mesmer, M.: 2009, ‘How Can I Boost Staff Morale in Spite of the Economic Downturn?’, CA Magazine March, 142, 7.
Nicholson, N. (2009, Jan/Feb). Staying up during a downturn. Communication World, 26, 26-29.
Nissley, E. L.: 2009, ‘Creative Thinking Goes Long Way’, McClatchy-Tribune Business News Originally Published by The Times-Tribune 29 March, Scranton, PA
Nooyi, I.: 2009, ‘We Have a Job to Do: Rebuild Trust’, Fortune 4 May, 159, 67.
O’Reilly, N.: 2009, ‘Get Mentally Tough: Seven Secrets to Resilience During Difficult Times’, American Salesman 54, 15–18.
Orrell, L. (2009). In Economic Crisis, Think of the Next Generation. Strategic Communication Management, 13(2), 7.
Paton, N. (2008, Dec). Economic downturn continues to put employee health at risk. Occupational Health, 60, 5-6.
‘Recession Brings Hurdles and Opportunities for Small Businesses’, McClatchy Tribune Business News 19 April 2009.
Schanz, K.-u. (2009). Maintaining Stakeholder Trust in Difficult Times: Some Fundamental Reflections in Light of the Credit Crisis. Geneva Papers on Risk & Insurance, 34(2), 260-261.
Sevilla-Sacasa, F. A. (2009). The Most Challenging Time We Have Ever Experienced. Vital Speeches of the Day, 75(4), 183.
Sharma, M. K., & Kaur, G. (2008). Employee Empowerment: A Conceptual Analysis. Journal of Global Business Issues, 2(2), 7-12.
Soule, A. (2009, Apr. 6). Staying the course. Fairfield County Business Journal, 48, 21.
‘Three Big Myths of Getting Organized’, Business Wire, 20 Dec 2008.
Yahoo! Inc.: 2009, ‘More Than a Third of American Workers are Anxious About Job Security Entering’, Health & Medicine Week Jan, 3208.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Marques, J. Spiritual Considerations for Managers: What Matters Most to Workforce Members in Challenging Times. J Bus Ethics 97, 381–390 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-010-0514-1
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-010-0514-1