Management spirituality and religion as a field of research, and spirituality as an emerging discipline

In the ever-evolving landscape of management studies, the intersection of management, spirituality, and religion (MSR) emerges as a radical departure from current mainstream principles. Our investigation into MSR's dynamic evolution as both a research field and an emerging discipline emphasizes its departure from conventional business paradigms. We delve into the transcendent 'ontological, metaphysical ground' permeating existence, advocating for holistic research that challenges the valueless and disconnected aspects of the contemporary business environment. This departure is pivotal in understanding the unique contributions of MSR to organizational practices, particularly for comprehending diverse management phenomena in the volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous organizational landscape. The chapter engages with fundamental MSR issues, including defining spirituality, selecting suitable ontological and epistemological approaches, and embracing holistic belief systems. The incorporation of appreciative inquiry and the Delphi technique in our research methodology facilitates insights from esteemed MSR scholars, accentuating the unconventional nature of our approach. Our study reveals quality moments within the MSR community and profound themes associated with MSR involvement, reinforcing the radical departure from traditional management studies. A survey among 85 experts augments our understanding of spirituality in management studies, showcasing the disruptive potential of MSR in reshaping organizational perspectives. As the MSR interest group achieves division status in the Academy of Management, it encourages exploration at the intersection of management, spirituality, and religion, providing innovative solutions to organizational challenges. The multifaceted nature of spirituality in management studies is unveiled, emphasizing the potential of the integrative approach to promote comprehensive thinking and foster radical, integrative research designs.