The impact of an individual\u27s spirituality on communication in the workplace

This study investigated how individuals practice spirituality in the workplace. That is, what intrapersonal communication is taking place as people think about and act upon their spirituality and how demonstration of the individual\u27s spirituality through interpersonal communication affects his or her communication in the workplace. Ethnographies, in-depth interviews, were conducted of 20 full-time employees at the University of Rhode Island who follow a religious or spiritual practice. Ten questions were posed. Participants\u27 responses were searched for common use of words, similar ideas, and shared meanings to discern emerging themes and then categorized. Results illustrate individuals\u27 belief in and desire for connection. Respondents shared the view that one needs to consciously connect with a common or universal energy, force, consciousness, or God; that all people are connected through this force; and that people seek connection to one another. Study participants believe that one\u27s religion or spirituality is central to one\u27s life, serving as a moral compass for behavior that impacts relationships with others and one\u27s relationship with a higher power or “source.” Participants\u27 spontaneous communication in the workplace is not always informed by their religiosity or spirituality, though they desire that it would be. More often than not, participants\u27 communication is mediated by a conscious decision to pause, reflect, and then respond. This mindful behavior directly relates to individuals\u27 desire for connection with other human beings through positive, open, nonjudgmental, interpersonal communication. Such conscious behavior also relates to participants\u27 belief that God or source is a positive force and that connection to such is the commitment to behave in a manner that is positive, loving, respectful, and inclusive of others. In seeking connection with others, individuals wish for greater understanding of others\u27 religious or spiritual beliefs and practices. Yet, they feel uncomfortable initiating such dialogue. Concern over separation of church and state, fear of being inappropriate, recent world events and histories of misunderstanding or misinterpreting other\u27s religions or spiritual beliefs hinder conversations on religion or spirituality at work