Perceptions of how spiritual leadership enhances connectedness in blended teams

Orientation: Before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, employees in most industries were expected to work from the office during their stipulated working hours. The pandemic notably changed this norm, creating unique challenges for managers who were not used to leading remote teams. S...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Thandeka L. Maseme, Musawenkosi D. Saurombe
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: AOSIS 2025-06-01
Series:SA Journal of Human Resource Management
Subjects:
Online Access:https://sajhrm.co.za/index.php/sajhrm/article/view/2958
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
_version_ 1849426964999307264
author Thandeka L. Maseme
Musawenkosi D. Saurombe
author_facet Thandeka L. Maseme
Musawenkosi D. Saurombe
author_sort Thandeka L. Maseme
collection DOAJ
description Orientation: Before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, employees in most industries were expected to work from the office during their stipulated working hours. The pandemic notably changed this norm, creating unique challenges for managers who were not used to leading remote teams. Since then, hybrid work has become more common, and organisations have been trying out different hybrid models. Research purpose: This research aimed to explore managers’ perceptions of how spiritual leadership enhances connectedness in blended teams within the financial industry. Motivation for the study: The increasing prevalence of blended teams necessitates a deeper understanding of how managers perceive and understand the challenges and opportunities in fostering connectedness through utilising spiritual leadership approaches within these teams. Research approach/design and method: A qualitative research approach employing a purposive sample was followed and semi-structured interviews were used to gather data from 12 managers in the financial services industry which were then thematically analysed. Main findings: The findings revealed differences in team dynamics between blended and co-located teams and the resolution of conflict. Spiritual leadership traits and practices that supported connectedness in blended teams were revealed, including compassion, integrity and empathy. Practical/managerial implications: This research offers key leadership competencies and practices needed to successfully leverage spiritual leadership in enhancing connectedness when managing blended teams. Contribution/value-add: The research offers valuable insights for organisations seeking to adapt to blended work models.
format Article
id doaj-art-7f7e88bfb9b4480198085f44c988daf3
institution Kabale University
issn 1683-7584
2071-078X
language English
publishDate 2025-06-01
publisher AOSIS
record_format Article
series SA Journal of Human Resource Management
spelling doaj-art-7f7e88bfb9b4480198085f44c988daf32025-08-20T03:29:10ZengAOSISSA Journal of Human Resource Management1683-75842071-078X2025-06-01230e1e1110.4102/sajhrm.v23i0.2958910Perceptions of how spiritual leadership enhances connectedness in blended teamsThandeka L. Maseme0Musawenkosi D. Saurombe1Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, JohannesburgDepartment of Industrial Psychology and People Management, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, JohannesburgOrientation: Before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, employees in most industries were expected to work from the office during their stipulated working hours. The pandemic notably changed this norm, creating unique challenges for managers who were not used to leading remote teams. Since then, hybrid work has become more common, and organisations have been trying out different hybrid models. Research purpose: This research aimed to explore managers’ perceptions of how spiritual leadership enhances connectedness in blended teams within the financial industry. Motivation for the study: The increasing prevalence of blended teams necessitates a deeper understanding of how managers perceive and understand the challenges and opportunities in fostering connectedness through utilising spiritual leadership approaches within these teams. Research approach/design and method: A qualitative research approach employing a purposive sample was followed and semi-structured interviews were used to gather data from 12 managers in the financial services industry which were then thematically analysed. Main findings: The findings revealed differences in team dynamics between blended and co-located teams and the resolution of conflict. Spiritual leadership traits and practices that supported connectedness in blended teams were revealed, including compassion, integrity and empathy. Practical/managerial implications: This research offers key leadership competencies and practices needed to successfully leverage spiritual leadership in enhancing connectedness when managing blended teams. Contribution/value-add: The research offers valuable insights for organisations seeking to adapt to blended work models.https://sajhrm.co.za/index.php/sajhrm/article/view/2958spiritual leadershipconnectednessblended teamsco-located teamsfinancial services sector.
spellingShingle Thandeka L. Maseme
Musawenkosi D. Saurombe
Perceptions of how spiritual leadership enhances connectedness in blended teams
SA Journal of Human Resource Management
spiritual leadership
connectedness
blended teams
co-located teams
financial services sector.
title Perceptions of how spiritual leadership enhances connectedness in blended teams
title_full Perceptions of how spiritual leadership enhances connectedness in blended teams
title_fullStr Perceptions of how spiritual leadership enhances connectedness in blended teams
title_full_unstemmed Perceptions of how spiritual leadership enhances connectedness in blended teams
title_short Perceptions of how spiritual leadership enhances connectedness in blended teams
title_sort perceptions of how spiritual leadership enhances connectedness in blended teams
topic spiritual leadership
connectedness
blended teams
co-located teams
financial services sector.
url https://sajhrm.co.za/index.php/sajhrm/article/view/2958
work_keys_str_mv AT thandekalmaseme perceptionsofhowspiritualleadershipenhancesconnectednessinblendedteams
AT musawenkosidsaurombe perceptionsofhowspiritualleadershipenhancesconnectednessinblendedteams