Spirituality and Women Business Leaders: Evidence from Small & Medium Entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Purpose: This study is to explore spiritual values and practices among the women business leaders in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Sri Lanka. Methodology: A qualitative study based on snowball sample of ten women business leaders in SME sector. Semi-structured interviews were conducted for data collection and thematic analysis was used to data analysis. Findings: The study found ten common spiritual values (integrity, trust, endurance, forgiveness, sympathy, altruism, humility, gratitude, hope and sympathetic joy) and seven spiritual practices (care and concern on others, respecting ideas of others, open communication, listening responsively, appreciating others, self-awareness and understanding others and protecting of five precepts in Buddhist teachings) among the women business leaders in SMEs in Sri Lanka. As notable contextual findings, it was found that the spiritual value of sympathetic joy and practice of protecting of five precepts which are Buddhist teachings. Research Implications: Findings implied that growing spiritual values among women leaders and practicing them contributes merits in terms enhanced support and loyalty towards the organization. Research Limitations and Future Research Suggestions: There are limitations pertaining to the small sample size. Further researches can be done in spirituality among the male business leadership in SMEs.