Abstract
This study explores sensemaking as grounded in identity construction in the context of workplace spirituality to uncover how individuals make sense of the process of self-decentralisation. The paper adopts the Buddhist notion of non-self as an analytical tool to explore how Buddhist practitioners in organisational contexts ‘empty out’ and de-centre the self in constructing and negotiating self-identity in the workplace. Through 104 interviews with both executives and employees who are Buddhist practitioners, the study reveals a phenomenon of re-centring self-decentralisation emerging in the pursuit of self-decentralisation. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how individuals make sense of work in the context of a spiritual practice and highlight practical implications for HRM practices to manage dynamic interpretations and enactments of spiritual practices in organisations.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1411-1441 |
Number of pages | 31 |
Journal | International Journal of Human Resource Management |
Volume | 34 |
Issue number | 7 |
Early online date | 21 Oct 2021 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 12 Apr 2023 |
Keywords
- Non-self
- empty speech
- engaged Buddhism
- full speech
- sensemaking
- workplace spirituality