Exploring the multi-level influence of shared leadership on workplace spirituality in teams

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to examine the association between shared transformational leadership and workplace spirituality in teams. While articulating its theoretical propositions, this research draws on the theory of motivational effects of charismatic leadership based on the self-concept. Design/methodology/approach The paper has adopted the quantitative method and cross-sectional research design while examining the study’s variables’ multi-level relationship. The authors researched 141 project teams in India’s information technology setting. Findings This study shows that shared transformational leadership is associated with workplace spirituality. This research has also found significant within-team variance in team members’ workplace spirituality experiences. Practical implications The study’s results show that the information technology companies’ employees aspire to cultivate individual-specific meaning at work. Therefore, team leaders should strive to display transformational leadership behaviours to build individual-specific meaning and a sense of community among team members. Social implications The study’s findings imply that shared transformational leadership can reduce individualistic utilitarianism and the resulting baneful impact of hedonism. Society can also benefit from shared leadership’s impact on individuals’ self-work integration as it will probably strengthen the “other-benefitting” behaviour instead of mere hedonistic orientation. Originality/value This paper has addressed the theoretical tensions regarding the role of shared transformational leadership in inducing employees’ inner life, meaning at work and sense of community. This paper helps us understand shared transformational leadership’s effects on individual workplace spirituality experiences.