The perceived impact of spiritual consciousness on leadership performance

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceived impact of spiritual consciousness on leadership performance. The assumptions of several leadership theories were discussed in relation to spirituality and performance. The leadership qualities associated with performance were highlighted and evaluated. The present study was conducted with ten high performing leaders of private-sector organisations in Johannesburg, South Africa. Qualitative analysis of quantitative and qualitative data was performed. Psychometric assessment results were interpreted and evaluated, semi-structured interviews were conducted and 360 degree questionnaires were administered with the intent to evaluate leadership behaviours impacting on performance. The first part of the interview consisted of a section allowing the participant to tell a story of how their career developed over time. The second part of the interview contained questions pertaining to leadership, the qualities, characteristics and behaviours of successful leaders and those qualities and characteristics that have resulted in their own success followed by questions pertaining to the participant’s perception of spirituality, their experience of spirituality and the perceived link to performance, and lastly their view on spiritual leadership and the impact thereof on performance. The findings suggest that leaders who demonstrate spiritually conscious behavioural traits will likely be regarded as high performing leaders. The relationship between spiritual consciousness and leadership performance was described in detail and recommendations were made for the the implementation of a spiritual consciousness model in the selection of leaders. Confirmative empirical studies with a larger sample are needed to support the findings and to further explore this interesting phenomenon.