An in-depth study of employees’ work engagement. Theoretical and practical implications for the governance of religious organisations

Abstract

Currently, religious organisations constitute an unexplored context that represents a fundamental role of the service sector in areas such as social services, education, and health. These organisations exhibit a series of peculiarities that, in some respects, differentiate them from other entities. They are defined by the services they provide and the particular way they perform them. The transmission of values that prevail in their institutional culture is part of their mission and shapes their operations. These organisations could be desirable to individuals who identify with their foundational values. From this perspective, an essential factor in the governance of these institutions and a pivotal element in the fulfilment of their mission is their employees’ identification with their work. Employees may be authentic and live their spirituality at work and engage with the institution’s values. In this context, servant leadership is by excellence the leadership in these organisations. Servant leaders care about their workers’ benefits, put their needs first, and consider them in decision‐making.