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Divine callings: Religious sensemaking in the organizational founding process

  • Christopher P. Scheitle and Amy Adamczyk
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Management, Spirituality and Religion
This chapter is in the book Management, Spirituality and Religion

Abstract

Organizational scholars have not considered the potential power of religion as a sensemaking tool. Religion scholars have wondered whether religious sensemaking is simply a post hoc justification for behavior, or whether it can shape future actions. In this article, we present mixed methods research that gets at the intersection of these issues. In interviews with founders of religious nonprofit organizations, we find that many frame their founding experiences in religious terms, such as believing that God gave them the idea for their organization or attributing certain founding events to divine intervention. We then examine data from a survey of young religious nonprofits and find that reports of personal religious experiences are more common among primary founders compared to other leaders. We also find that those founders reporting certain religious experiences work more hours in the organization, suggesting that sensemaking strategies could have consequences for individuals’ behavior.

Abstract

Organizational scholars have not considered the potential power of religion as a sensemaking tool. Religion scholars have wondered whether religious sensemaking is simply a post hoc justification for behavior, or whether it can shape future actions. In this article, we present mixed methods research that gets at the intersection of these issues. In interviews with founders of religious nonprofit organizations, we find that many frame their founding experiences in religious terms, such as believing that God gave them the idea for their organization or attributing certain founding events to divine intervention. We then examine data from a survey of young religious nonprofits and find that reports of personal religious experiences are more common among primary founders compared to other leaders. We also find that those founders reporting certain religious experiences work more hours in the organization, suggesting that sensemaking strategies could have consequences for individuals’ behavior.

Chapters in this book

  1. Frontmatter I
  2. Acknowledgments VII
  3. Contents IX
  4. MSR foundational research: An anthology of JMSR best papers 1
  5. Part I: Engagement with foundational contemporary management/organization issues
  6. The “Acts” of Paul: Micro-processes and new institution creation 15
  7. Calling to the anima mundi: On restoring soul within organizations 57
  8. Divine callings: Religious sensemaking in the organizational founding process 77
  9. Part II: Workplace religion research informing mainstream management areas
  10. Buying monastic products, gift or purchase? 103
  11. Work calling and humility: Framing for job idolization, workaholism, and exploitation 135
  12. The role of spiritual leadership in reducing healthcare worker burnout 153
  13. Part III: Approaches/methodologies of engaging core spiritual/religious principles/practices
  14. Black mothers at work: A contemplative and anti-oppressive approach to dismantling workplace oppression 179
  15. When work becomes meditation: How managers use work as a tool for personal growth 209
  16. Discernment in management and organizations 233
  17. Servant leadership from multiple domains and follower work behavior 267
  18. Brief biographical notes on the contributors 291
  19. Index 295
https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111216058-004

Chapters in this book

  1. Frontmatter I
  2. Acknowledgments VII
  3. Contents IX
  4. MSR foundational research: An anthology of JMSR best papers 1
  5. Part I: Engagement with foundational contemporary management/organization issues
  6. The “Acts” of Paul: Micro-processes and new institution creation 15
  7. Calling to the anima mundi: On restoring soul within organizations 57
  8. Divine callings: Religious sensemaking in the organizational founding process 77
  9. Part II: Workplace religion research informing mainstream management areas
  10. Buying monastic products, gift or purchase? 103
  11. Work calling and humility: Framing for job idolization, workaholism, and exploitation 135
  12. The role of spiritual leadership in reducing healthcare worker burnout 153
  13. Part III: Approaches/methodologies of engaging core spiritual/religious principles/practices
  14. Black mothers at work: A contemplative and anti-oppressive approach to dismantling workplace oppression 179
  15. When work becomes meditation: How managers use work as a tool for personal growth 209
  16. Discernment in management and organizations 233
  17. Servant leadership from multiple domains and follower work behavior 267
  18. Brief biographical notes on the contributors 291
  19. Index 295
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