Negotiating Spiritual Dissonance: Strategies and Approaches

• In Event: That's the Spirit: Motivation and Spirituality in the Workplace

Abstract

This study examines how organizational members negotiate spiritual dissonance. Thematic analysis of interviews from parochial boarding-school teachers revealed that dissonance was present when faculty/staff members did not personally believe the religious/spiritual doctrines of their sponsoring church yet appeared compliant by word, deed, or organizational affiliation. Fear of being seen as hypocritical intensified the dissonance. Strategies for negotiating spiritual dissonance included remaining silent, reframing boundaries of what was “spiritual,” or weighing the benefits of the job.

Author

• Tammy McGuire, Pacific Union College