The role of spiritual retreats in higher education: The necessity for, and difficulties with, reflection on lasting values in a new public management context

Abstract

This article describes the results of an in depth grounded theory (GT) study on the role of retreats in a higher education organisation. The research objective is to study the impact of 2-day spiritual retreats, offered to employees, on the individual and the organisation. It was found that there is significant value in an organisation providing employees with structured reflection time. The retreats enable employees to become (re) acquainted with self and prioritise deeper values, make conscious choices based on such values and re-assess balance between different roles and priorities. The benefit to the organisation is an appreciation for, and understanding of, fellow workers as well as enhanced loyalty. Furthermore, directors reported that employees became pro-active in taking steps to align work and values. This study empirically substantiates the importance of an organisation taking responsibility for employees reconnecting with their values, particularly in a New Public Management context. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.