Building individual spiritual capital through the work: a narrative study

Purpose The purpose of this study is to peruse how a cohort of professionals (n = 10) framed by their religious beliefs (the majority of interviewees were Christians) and/or spirituality from distinct business sectors understand, feel and build their spiritual capital (SC) through their work and the dynamics surrounding it. Design/methodology/approach Narrative inquiry gives primacy to the interviewer telling his/her own story and using his/her own words. Therein lies the major reason for drawing on this method. Furthermore, the narrative inquiry may engender pinpointing how SC is interpreted in the context of work. As such, it assumes that what people tell is valid and that such data are epistemically considered as the expression of truth. Findings Fundamentally, the concern with the neighbour’s needs, the, so to speak, disdain to gain material rewards and the focus on the general well-being through our attitudes in work environments constitute the major findings of this study. As such, they should be encouraged in the workplaces to improve human interplays and the solution of societal conundrums. In sum, the SC concept embraces a set of dimensions and constructs that could enhance both the functioning of organisations and human beings’ spirituality. Research limitations/implications As expected, this endeavour has limitations, and the most prominent of them is that, as a qualitative inquiry, the results cannot be generalised. Therefore, the findings must take into account such a limited framework. Practical implications Implementing SC inside organisations has huge implications for improving the quality of products, services and care. Undeniably, it must be welcomed by any organisation interested in motivating its employees to put into practice virtues-based repertoires, draw on spiritual tools, adopt helping behaviour, be polite and fulfil their duties, especially when they interact with customers or colleagues. Originality/value One must also point out that this investigation contributes to theory by adding new aspects, perceptions and focusing on an under-explored geographic area. Actually, to the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first initiative made in a Latin American country (i.e. Brazil), whose religious beliefs of its citizens are noteworthy, by using the narrative method.