Workplace spirituality and organizational performance in the Manaus Industrial Pole

Abstract

Study objective: to examine associations between workplace spirituality and organizational performance in two-wheeler firms located in the Manaus Industrial Pole (Brazil). Methodology/approach: a cross-sectional quantitative design was adopted with a sample of 107 workers. Workplace spirituality was assessed with the Workplace Spirituality Inventory (IET), organized into two dimensions (Work as Purpose and Sense of Community). Organizational performance was assessed with a 10-item scale comprising three dimensions (Financial, Process, and Internal). Analyses included descriptive statistics, internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), Spearman correlations, nonparametric group comparisons, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Originality/relevance: this study provides empirical evidence in a Brazilian industrial context that remains underexplored, linking specific dimensions of workplace spirituality with differentiated facets of organizational performance. Main results: workplace spirituality total score was positively correlated with organizational performance total score (ρ = 0.335; p < 0.001). In the structural model, two hypotheses were supported: Sense of Community → Financial Performance (p = 0.039) and Work as Purpose → Internal Performance (p = 0.038). Theoretical/methodological contributions: findings reinforce the usefulness of treating workplace spirituality as a multidimensional construct, with dimension-specific associations with performance. Social contributions/contributions to management: results suggest that practices aimed at strengthening cooperation and purpose at work may be associated with more favorable perceptions of organizational performance.