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Emerging stronger from challenging times: How servant leaders manage workplace spirituality and employee flourishing

Author

Listed:
  • Mahdi Vesal

    (Department of Management and Marketing, La Trobe Business School, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia)

  • Muhammad Aftab Alam

    (School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia)

Abstract

Business leaders, particularly in challenging times like the post-COVID era, grapple with fostering employee well-being and addressing spiritual needs. Our research explores the link between workplace spirituality—marked by meaningful work, community, and value alignment—and employee flourishing, with a focus on the role of servant leadership. Using self-determination theory, we analyzed survey data from SMEs in Iran and India, where employees navigated challenging times amid COVID-related difficulties. Study 1 (303 employees in 128 Iranian firms) found meaningful work and a sense of community positively influence employee flourishing, while value alignment has a curvilinear effect. Study 2 (215 senior Indian employees) replicated these findings, highlighting servant leadership’s role in amplifying positive outcomes and mitigating negatives. This research advances self-determination theory and provides practical insights for leaders to foster positive employee outcomes. JEL Classification: D23, M00

Suggested Citation

  • Mahdi Vesal & Muhammad Aftab Alam, 2026. "Emerging stronger from challenging times: How servant leaders manage workplace spirituality and employee flourishing," Australian Journal of Management, Australian School of Business, vol. 51(2), pages 607-637, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ausman:v:51:y:2026:i:2:p:607-637
    DOI: 10.1177/03128962251338332
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    JEL classification:

    • D23 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Organizational Behavior; Transaction Costs; Property Rights
    • M00 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - General - - - General

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