Abstract
This article presents some synergies that appear to exist in the conceptualization of environmental and spiritual leadership. After some discussion of the contexts in which environmental and spiritual leadership have arisen, the author identifies some commonalities in the underpinning values and associated discourse adopted in the literature to describe these two concepts. Common values include notions of the common and social good, stewardship, sustainability, servanthood, calling, meaning, and connectedness. The article also draws attention to the way that historical and cultural factors have contributed to some overlapping in the conceptual development of spirit and environment. Finally, avenues for demonstrating and embedding both spiritual and environmental leadership into organizations are explored.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Adams, C.: 1993, Ecofeminism and the Sacred (Continuum, New York).
Alfred, W.: 2010, ‘Aboriginal Spirituality and Environmental Respect: A Perspective on Traditional Amerindian Views of Nature with Special Reference to the Meaning of “The Land” in Northern Cultures’, Social Compass 44(1), 145–156.
Anderson, C.: 1973/1906, Thoreau’s Vision. The Major Essays (Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey).
Bauer, K.: 2007, ‘Protecting Indigenous Spiritual Values’, Peace Review: A Journal Of Social Justice 19(3), 343–349.
Benefiel, M.: 2005, ‘The Second Half of the Journey: Spiritual Leadership for Organizational Transformation’, The Leadership Quarterly 16, 723–747.
Berry, J. And J. Gordon: (Eds.). 1993, Environmental Leadership. Developing Effective Skills and Styles (Island Press, Washington, DC).
Boiral, O., M. Cayer And C. Baron: 2009. ‘The Action Logics of Environmental Leadership: A Development Perspective’, Journal Of Ethics 85, 479–499.
Burack, E.: 1999, ‘Spirituality in the Workplace’, Journal Of Organizational Change Management 12(4), 280–291.
Buysse, K. And A. Verbeke: 2003, ‘Proactive Environmental Strategies: A Stakeholder Management Perspective’, Strategic Management Journal 24(5), 453–470.
Cash, K. And G. Gray: 2000, ‘A Framework for Accommodating Religion and Spirituality in the Workplace’, Academy Of Management Executive 14(13), 124–133.
Cavanagh, G. And M. Bandsuch: 2002, ‘Virtue as a Benchmark for Spirituality in Business’, Journal Of Business Ethics 38, 109–117.
Commoner, B.: 1971, The Closing Circle. Nature, Man And Technology (Alfred A Knopf Publishers, New York).
Cone, J.: 2000, ‘Whose Earth is it Anyway?’, Cross Currents 50, 36–46.
Crossman, J.: 2003, ‘Secular Spiritual Development in Education From International and Global Perspectives’, Oxford Review Of Education 29(4), 503–520.
Crossman, J.: 2007, ‘The Spirit of Business. Spiritualising Otherwise Secular Work and Learning Contexts’, International Employment Relations Review 13(2), 1–10v.
Crossman, J.: 2008, ‘Breaking the Silence: Exploring Spirituality in Secular Professional Education in Australia’, in P. Willis, S. Mckenzie & R. Harris (eds.), Rethinking Work And Learning. Adult And Vocational Education For Social Sustainability (Springer), pp. 237–249.
Crossman, J.: 2009, ‘Breaking the Silence: Exploring Spirituality in Secular Professional Education in Australia’, in P. Willis, S. Mckenzie & R. Harris (eds.), Rethinking Work And Learning: Adult And Vocational Education For Social Sustainability (Springer, Dordrecht, The Netherlands) pp. 237–248..
Crossman, J.: 2010, ‘Conceptualising Spiritual Leadership in Secular Organizational Contexts and its Relation to Transformational, Servant and Environmental Leadership’, Leadership & Organization Development Journal 31(7), 596–608.
Crowfoot, J.: 1993, ‘Corporate Leadership’, in J. Berry & J. Gordon (eds.), Environmental Leadership. Developing Effective Skills And Styles (Island Press, Washington, DC).
Dent, E., E. Higgins and D. Wharff: 2005, ‘Spirituality and Leadership: An Empirical Review of Definitions, Distinctions, and Embedded Assumptions’, The Leadership Quarterly 16, 625–653.
Diamond, I. and Orenstein, G.: 1990, Reweaving the World. The Emergence of Ecofeminism (Sierra Club Books, San Francisco).
Durkheim, E.: 1915/1968, The Elementary Forms of Religious Life (Joseph Swain, trans.) (The Free Press, New York).
Egri, C. And S. Herman: 2000, ‘Leadership in the North American Environmental Sector: Values, Leadership Styles, and Contexts of Environmental Leaders and Their Organizations’, Academy Of Management Journal 43(4), 571–604.
Emerson, R. W.: 1841, Essays and Other Writings (Cassell And Company Ltd, New York).
Evan, T., D. Stone, M. Hosenball, M. Isikoff, E. Conant, E. Clift, M. Hirsh, A. Campo-Flores And I. Yarrett: 2010, ‘Black Water Rising’, Newsweek 155(23), 26–33.
Fairholm, G.: 1996, ‘Spiritual Leadership: Fulfilling Whole-Self Needs at Work’, Leadership & Organization Development Journal 17(5), 11–17.
Fairholm, M.: 2003, ‘Leading with Spirit in Public Organizations’, Pa Times, 26(11): 4.
Falkner, R.: 2007, ‘The Political Economy of “Normative Power” Europe: EU Environmental Leadership in International Biotechnology Regulation’, Journal Of European Public Policy 14(4), 507–526.
Farmer, D.: 2001, ‘The Biospiritual Awakening?’, Public Performance And Management Review 24(4), 436–439.
Ferguson, J. And J. Milliman: 2008, ‘Creating Effective Core Organizational Values: A Spiritual Leadership Approach’, International Journal Of Public Administration 31(4), 439–459.
Fry, L. And M. Cohen: 2009, ‘Spiritual Leadership as a Paradigm for Organizational Transformation and Recovery from Extended Work Hours Cultures’, Journal Of Business Ethics 84, 265–278.
Fry, L., S. Vitucci And M. Cedillo: 2005, ‘Spiritual Leadership and Army Transformation: Theory, Measurement, and Establishing a Baseline’, The Leadership Quarterly 16, 835–862.
Gao, G.: 1996, ‘Self And Other: A Chinese Perspective on Interpersonal Relationships’, in W. Gudykunst, S. Ting-Toomey & N. Tsukasa (eds.), Communication In Personal Relationships Across Cultures (Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks), pp. 81–102.
Gladwin, T., J. Kennelly And T. Krause: 1995, ‘Shifting Paradigms for Sustainable Development: Implications for Management Theory and Research’, Academy Of Management Review 20(4), 874–907.
Greenleaf, R.: 1977, Servant Leadership: A Journey into the Nature of Legitimate Power and Greatness (Paulist Press, Mahwah, NJ).
Hart, S.: 1997, ‘Beyond Greening: Strategies for a Sustainable World’, Harvard Business Review 75(1), 67–76.
Haugh, H. And A. Talwar 2010. ‘How Do Corporations Embed Sustainability Across the Organization?’, Academy Of Management Learning & Education 9(3), 384–396.
Hayward, J.: 1999,’ Unlearning to See the Sacred’, in S. Glazer (ed.), The Heart Of Learning. Spirituality In Education (Penguin Putnam Inc, New York), pp. 61–77.
Hernandez, M.: 2008, ‘Promoting Stewardship Behaviour in Organizations: A Leadership Model’, Journal Of Business Ethics 80, 121–128.
Hofstede, G.: 2009, ‘Business Goals for a New World Order: Beyond Growth, Greed and Quarterly Results’, Asia Pacific Business Review 15(4), 481–488.
Holliday, S.: 2010, ‘An Interview with Chad Holliday, (Former) Ceo & Chairman, Dupont. The Relationship Between Sustainability Education And Business’, Academy Of Management Learning & Education 9(3), 532–541.
Holst, W.: 1997, ‘Aboriginal Spirituality and Environmental Respect: A Perspective on Traditional Amerindian Views of Nature with Special Reference to the Meaning of “The Land” in Northern Cultures’, Social Compass 44(1), 145–156.
Hoppe, S.: 2005, ‘Spirituality and Leadership’, in S. Hoppe and B. Speck (eds.), Spirituality in Higher Education, New Directions for Teaching and Learning, No. 4 (Jossey-Bass, San Francisco), pp. 83–92.
Houston, P. And S. Sokolow: 2006, The Spiritual Dimension Of Leadership. 8 Key Principles To Leading More Effectively (Corwin Press, Thousand Oaks).
Josie, A. And S. Lee: 2007, ‘Environmental Reporting of Global Corporations: A Content Analysis Based on Website Disclosures’, Journal Of Business Ethics 72(4), 307-321.
Jung, C.: 1959, ‘The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious’, in H. Read, M. Fordham and G. Adler (eds.), The Collected Works, Vol. 9, Part 1 (R. F. C. Hull, trans.) (Routledge & Kegan Paul, London).
Karadag, E.: 2009, ‘Spiritual Leadership and Organizational Culture: A Study of Structural Equation Modelling Educational Sciences’, Theory and Practice 9(3), 1391–1405.
Karakas, F.: 2009, ‘Spirituality and Performance in Organizations: A Literature Review’, Journal Of Business Ethics 94(1), 89-106.
Kovan, J. And J. Dirkx: 2003, ‘“Being Called Awake”: The Role of the Transformative Learning in the Lives of Environmental Activists’, Adult Education Quarterly 53(2), 99–118.
Kriger, M. And B. Hanson: 1999, ‘A Value-Based Paradigm for Creating Truly Healthy Organizations’, Journal Of Organizational Change 12(4), 302–317.
Krishnan, V.: 2008, ‘The Impact of Transformational Leadership on Followers’ Duty Orientation and Spirituality’, Journal Of Human Values 14(1), 11–22.
Kutcher, E., J. Bragger, O. Rodriguez-Srednicki And J. Masco: 2010, ‘The Role of Religiosity in Stress, Job Attitudes, and Organizational Citizenship Behaviour’, Journal Of Business Ethics 95, 319–337.
Maak, T. And N. Pless: 2009, ‘Business Leaders as Citizens of the World. Advancing Humanism on a Global Scale’, Journal Of Business Ethics 88, 537-550.
Marcic, D.: 2000, ‘God, Faith and Management’, Journal Of Management Education 24(5), 628–649.
Maslow, A.: 1970, Religions, Values and Peak-Experiences (Penguin Books, Harmondsworth, England).
McFague, S.: 2008, A New Climate For Theology. God, the World, and Global Warming, (Fortress Press, Minneapolis).
Milliman, J. And J. Ferguson: 2008, ‘In Search of the “Spiritual” in Spiritual Leadership: A Case Study of Entrepreneur Steve Bigari’, The Business Renaissance Quarterly: Enhancing The Quality Of The Life Of Work 3(1), 19–40.
Ochs, C.: 1997, Women and Spirituality, 2nd Edition (Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc, London).
Orr, D.: 1999, ‘Reassembling the Pieces: Architecture as Pedagogy’, in S. Glazer (ed.), The Heart Of Learning Spirituality In Education (Penguin Putnam Inc., New York), pp. 33–51.
Pandey, A., R. Gupta And A. Arora: 2008, ‘Spiritual Climate of Business Organisations and Its Impact on Customers’ Experience’, Journal Of Business Ethics 88, 313–332.
Pawar, B.: 2008, ‘Some of the Recent Organizational Behaviour Concepts as Precursors to Workplace Spirituality’, Journal Of Business Ethics 88, 245–261.
Pawar, B.: 2009, ‘Workplace Spirituality Facilitation: A Comprehensive Model’, Journal Of Business Ethics 90(3), 375–386.
Prince, L.: 2005, ‘Eating the Menu Rather Than the Dinner: Tao And Leadership’, Leadership 1, 105–126.
Pruzan, P.: 2008, ‘Spiritual-Based Leadership in Business’, Journal Of Human Values 14(2), 101–114.
Quazi, H.: 2001, ‘Sustainable Development Integrating Environmental Issues into Strategic Planning’, Industrial Management And Data Systems 101(2), 64–70.
Raelin, J.: 2003, Creating Leaderful Organizations. How To Bring Out The Leadership In Everyone (Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc., San Francisco).
Remen, R.: 1999, ‘Educating for Mission, Meaning and Compassion’, in S. Glazer (ed.), The Heart of Learning Spirituality in Education (Penguin Putnam Inc., New York), pp. 33–51.
Rice, S.: 2003, ‘Commitment to Excellence: Practical Approaches to Environmental Leadership’, Environmental Quality Management 12(4), 9–22.
Robinson, D. And A. Clegg: 1998, ‘Environmental Leadership and Competitive Advantage Through Environmental Management System Standards’, Eco-Management And Auditing 5, 6–14.
Runhaar, H., C. Tigchelaar And J. Vermeulen: 2006, ‘Environmental Leaders: Making a Difference. A Typology of Environmental Leaders and Recommendations for a Differentiated Policy Approach’, Business, Strategy And The Environment 17, 160–178.
Samovar, L., R. Porter And E. Mcdaniel: 2008, Communication Between Cultures, 6th Edition (Wadsworth Cengage Learning, Belmont, Ca, USA).
Samover, L. And R. Porter: 1991, Communication Between Cultures’, 3rd Edition (Wadsworth, California).
Sandhu, S.: 2010, ‘Shifting Paradigms in Corporate Environmentalism: From Poachers to Gamekeepers’, Business And Society Review 115(3), 285–310.
Sandhu. S.: 2010, ‘Consumer Driven Corporate Environmentalism: Fact or Fiction?’, Business Strategy And The Environment 19(6), 356–366.
Scully, M. 2002, Dominion. The Power of Man, the Suffering of Animals, and the Call to Mercy (St. Martin’s Griffin, New York).
Sheoin, T.: 2009, ‘Waiting for Another Bhopal’, Global Social Policy 9(3), 408–433.
Shrivastava, P.: 1995, ‘Ecocentric Management for a Risk Society’, Academy Of Management Review 20(1), 118–137.
Shrivastava, P.: 2010, ‘Pedagogy of Passion for Sustainability’, Academy Of Management Learning And Education 9(3), 443–455.
Speck, B.: 2005, ‘What is Sprituality?’, in S. Hoppe and B. Speck (eds.), Spirituality in Higher Education, New Directions for Teaching and Learning No. 104 (Jossey-Bass, San Francisco), pp. 3–13.
Starik, M. And G. Rands: 1995, ‘Weaving an Integrated Web: Multilevel and Multisystem Perspectives of Ecologically Sustainable Organizations’, Academy Of Management Review 20(4), 908–935.
Starik, M., G. Rands, A. Marcus And T. Clark: 2010, ‘From the Guest Editors: In Search of Sustainability in Management Education’, Academy Of Management. Learning And Education 9(3), 377–383.
Tawney, R.: 1922, Religion And The Rise Of Capitalism. An Historical Study (John Murray, London).
Thompson, S., 2005, ‘Habits of Spiritually Grounded Leaders’, School Administrator 62(10), 26–29.
Turner, N., M. Ignace And R. Ignace, R: 2000, ‘Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Wisdom of Aboriginal Peoples in British Columbia’, Ecological Applications 10(5), 1275–1287.
Uhlik, K.: 2009, ‘A Conceptual Inquiry into the Integration of Sacred Nature, Society and Leadership in Outdoor Recreation and Experiential Education Programs’, Journal Of Experiential Education 32(2), 103–120.
Wallace, M.: 2000, ‘The Green Face of God: Christianity in an Age of Ecocide’, Cross Currents 50(3), 310–331.
Weber, M.: 1930/1976, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, 2nd Edition (Allen & Unwin, London).
Wilson, E.: 1984, Biophilia, (Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts).
Wolf, E.: 2004, ‘Spiritual Leadership: A New Model’, Healthcare Executive 19(2), 22–25.
Yen-Chun, J., H. Shihping, K. Lopin And W. Wen-Hsiung: 2010, ‘Management Education for Sustainability: A Web-Based Content Analysis’, Academy Of Management Learning & Education 9(3), 520–531.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Crossman, J. Environmental and Spiritual Leadership: Tracing the Synergies from an Organizational Perspective. J Bus Ethics 103, 553–565 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-011-0880-3
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-011-0880-3