The Regulatory Role of Spiritual Leadership on the Effect of Organizational Spirituality on Burnout

Abstract

Purpose – This research explores the relationship between organizational spirituality, spiritual leadership, and burnout, driven by the increasing need for spirituality in the workplace. The study aimed to determine the impact of perceived organizational spirituality on burnout levels and to examine the moderating role of spiritual leadership in this relationship.
Design/methodology/approach – In order to obtain data in the research conducted, a survey method widely used in social sciences was used. The "Perceived Organizational Spirituality Scale," developed by Milliman et al. (2003) according to the dimensions of spirituality components, was used in the research. The adaptation of this game to Turkish was carried out by Çakıroğlu (2017: 99). The burnout level of employees was measured with the "Maslach Burnout Inventory." The adaptation of the scale to Turkish was conducted by Ergin (1992). In order to determine the participants' perception of spiritual management, Gündüz (2014: 83) used the "Spiritual Leadership Scale," which covers 5 dimensions with 21 statements in detail. After confirming the validity and reliability of the mentioned tables, the hypothesis was tested using path analysis through the freedom extension in the effect strength.
Results – The analysis revealed a statistically significant negative relationship (-0.52) between organizational spirituality and burnout, a positive relationship (0.65) between organizational spirituality and spiritual leadership, and a negative relationship (-0.39) between burnout and spiritual leadership. Path analysis confirmed the negative effect of organizational spirituality on burnout (-0.52). Critically, the study also supported the moderating role of spiritual leadership in the relationship between organizational spirituality and burnout.
Discussion – By incorporating spirituality into the organization, individuals who gain purpose and meaning in their work, fulfill a fundamental need for belonging by becoming part of a community, develop a collective consciousness, and become more cooperative and collaborative are likely to experience less burnout. If these individuals experience burnout, it is believed that this spiritual atmosphere will help resolve the issue much more quickly and without further delay. It is emphasized that the manager/leader plays the most important role in communicating and strengthening organizational spirituality, which is considered an antidote to increasing burnout. Indeed, the findings of this study support this notion.