Sustaining Teachers’ Organizational Commitment: A Glimpse on Spiritual Intelligence Paradigm

Abstract

This paper examined the relationship between spiritual intelligence (SQ) and organizational commitment (OC) among employees. Consistent with Multiple Intelligence Theory (MI), 510 teachers were drawn through a list-based simple random sampling technique in the Peninsular areas of Malaysia. Hypothesis was tested with structural equation modeling (SEM) and the structural model was assessed through renowned GOF indices. Findings revealed that SQ relates significantly positive with OC, such that spiritually intelligent employees are more obliged towards workplace activities. GOF indices showed χ² / df ratio (997.341 / 547) = 1.823, RMSEA (0.057), and CFI (0.903), providing empirical support for the hypothesized structural model. The study outcomes are promising. Theoretically, it contributes to organizational behavior research regarding the influence of spiritual resources and virtues on employees’ behavior. The study has implications for HR policies such as compensation and motivation. Spiritual intelligence aids employees to see beyond the material aspects of the workplace. Hence, they are better inspired when HR managers augment HR policies with SQ components.  Practically, employees are more productive, creative, and resourceful when performing organizational activities. Therefore, the study provides indication on how employees can consider work-related activities as a quest worth achieving. Within this process, lies the opportunity to experience spiritual consciousness which stimulates their personal growth and development. The study is limited in a number of ways. It is cross-sectional, purely quantitative, and has its social-demographic factors controlled.