Spiritual Management
MANAGEMENT AND SPIRITUALITY
Dr. LOUIS XAVIER S.J.
1.0 : The Paradigm of Management and Spirituality In 1960, John F. Kennedy declared that by the end of the decade, man will be placed on the moon. Scientists were dismayed. Many thought it to be an impossible dream. But because there was political will, man was placed on the moon and outerspace was conquered. There is a dire need today, to conquer a deeper inner space - the hearts and minds of people engaged in business. The paradigm of management and spirituality is an attempt in this direction. Following are some of the underlying assumptions: 1.1 : One is the inadequacy of ethics based solely on reason to ensure moral conduct. Rationalist ethics may provide knowledge about virtuous behaviour. But knowledge alone does not ensure virtue. Moral empowerment comes from a relationship with God, the transcendent one who inspires and moves the will to virtuous action (Rom: 7:19-20). In this connection it could be mentioned that John Paul II believes that one of the fundamental weaknesses of modern society rest in its inadequate view of the person resting solely on a rationalist humanism and anthropocentrism. It is the failure to respect the spiritual aspect of the person that has resulted "in man's abasement to previously unsuspected levels, the age of human values trampled on as never before" (John Paul II : Address to the Latin American Bishops', London : Collins 1979). John Paul teaches in laborem exercens that only a spiritual understanding of the person establishes the right order of priorities in the economic and political order. 1.2 : "Where there is no vision, the people perish" (Prov: 29:18). In our faith vision, we see God at work in the world and in all creation moving mankind towards a world of justice, peace and love (Eph 1:3-10). This is social humanism. Management being a worldly enterprise and part of creation has to position itself in alignment with this divine purpose. Our policies and mega plans are
Dr. LOUIS XAVIER S.J.
1.0 : The Paradigm of Management and Spirituality In 1960, John F. Kennedy declared that by the end of the decade, man will be placed on the moon. Scientists were dismayed. Many thought it to be an impossible dream. But because there was political will, man was placed on the moon and outerspace was conquered. There is a dire need today, to conquer a deeper inner space - the hearts and minds of people engaged in business. The paradigm of management and spirituality is an attempt in this direction. Following are some of the underlying assumptions: 1.1 : One is the inadequacy of ethics based solely on reason to ensure moral conduct. Rationalist ethics may provide knowledge about virtuous behaviour. But knowledge alone does not ensure virtue. Moral empowerment comes from a relationship with God, the transcendent one who inspires and moves the will to virtuous action (Rom: 7:19-20). In this connection it could be mentioned that John Paul II believes that one of the fundamental weaknesses of modern society rest in its inadequate view of the person resting solely on a rationalist humanism and anthropocentrism. It is the failure to respect the spiritual aspect of the person that has resulted "in man's abasement to previously unsuspected levels, the age of human values trampled on as never before" (John Paul II : Address to the Latin American Bishops', London : Collins 1979). John Paul teaches in laborem exercens that only a spiritual understanding of the person establishes the right order of priorities in the economic and political order. 1.2 : "Where there is no vision, the people perish" (Prov: 29:18). In our faith vision, we see God at work in the world and in all creation moving mankind towards a world of justice, peace and love (Eph 1:3-10). This is social humanism. Management being a worldly enterprise and part of creation has to position itself in alignment with this divine purpose. Our policies and mega plans are