Skip to main content
Top
Published in: Journal of Religion and Health 3/2018

01-06-2018 | Original Paper

“Can One Put Faith and Work in the Same Sentence?” Faith Development and Vocation of a Female Leader in the Engineering Profession

Authors: Claude-Hélène Mayer, Rian Viviers

Published in: Journal of Religion and Health | Issue 3/2018

Login to get access

Abstract

Faith has been pointed out as a possible resource in strengthening individuals’ health and well-being at work. The aim of this article is to gain in-depth knowledge of the faith development and vocation of a selected female leader in a male-dominated work context. The article contributes to research on faith development in women leaders, based on Fowler’s faith development theory. This is a single case study grounded in a qualitative research design. In-depth qualitative data were gathered through observation and interviews over 18 months. Findings showed the development of faith across a women leader’s life span and highlight that faith and vocation are important resources that provide strength, meaningfulness and a vision.
Footnotes
1
FDT has been criticised extensively, however, the critique will not be discussed in this article. For further discourses please see Coyle (2011) and Streib (2005).
 
Literature
go back to reference Ashdown, B. K., & Gibbons, J. (2012). Faith development and collectivism among emerging adults in Guatemala and the United States. Advances in Psychology Study, 1(3), 22–28. Ashdown, B. K., & Gibbons, J. (2012). Faith development and collectivism among emerging adults in Guatemala and the United States. Advances in Psychology Study, 1(3), 22–28.
go back to reference Bosch, D. (2016). Book review: Christian scripture and human resource management: Building a path to servant leadership through faith. Christian Business Academic Review, 11, 10–11. Bosch, D. (2016). Book review: Christian scripture and human resource management: Building a path to servant leadership through faith. Christian Business Academic Review, 11, 10–11.
go back to reference Bryant-Davis, T., & Alejandre, A. (2014). Conclusion: The path forward: The future study of spirituality, religion, and resilience among ethnically diverse women. In T. Bryant-Davis, A. Austria, D. Kawahara, & D. Willes (Eds.), Religion and spirituality for diverse women: Foundations of strength and resilience (pp. 299–306). Santa Barbara, CA: Praeger. Bryant-Davis, T., & Alejandre, A. (2014). Conclusion: The path forward: The future study of spirituality, religion, and resilience among ethnically diverse women. In T. Bryant-Davis, A. Austria, D. Kawahara, & D. Willes (Eds.), Religion and spirituality for diverse women: Foundations of strength and resilience (pp. 299–306). Santa Barbara, CA: Praeger.
go back to reference Coyle, A. (2011). Critical responses to faith development theory: A useful agenda for change? Archive for the Psychology of Religion, 33(3), 281–298.CrossRef Coyle, A. (2011). Critical responses to faith development theory: A useful agenda for change? Archive for the Psychology of Religion, 33(3), 281–298.CrossRef
go back to reference Craig, A., Coldwell, J., Fisher, J., & Lang, C. (2013). The silicon ceiling: Women managers and leaders in ICT in Australia. In M. A. Paludi (Ed.), Women and management: Global issues and promising solutions (pp. 177–200). Santa Barbara, CA: Praeger. Craig, A., Coldwell, J., Fisher, J., & Lang, C. (2013). The silicon ceiling: Women managers and leaders in ICT in Australia. In M. A. Paludi (Ed.), Women and management: Global issues and promising solutions (pp. 177–200). Santa Barbara, CA: Praeger.
go back to reference Dantley, M. (2005). Faith-based leadership: Ancient rhythms or new management? International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education, 18(1), 3–19.CrossRef Dantley, M. (2005). Faith-based leadership: Ancient rhythms or new management? International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education, 18(1), 3–19.CrossRef
go back to reference Denzin, N. K., & Lincoln, Y. (2003). Introduction: The discipline and practice of qualitative research. In K. Norman & Y. Lincoln (Eds.), Strategies of qualitative inquiry (2nd ed., pp. 1–45). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Denzin, N. K., & Lincoln, Y. (2003). Introduction: The discipline and practice of qualitative research. In K. Norman & Y. Lincoln (Eds.), Strategies of qualitative inquiry (2nd ed., pp. 1–45). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
go back to reference Dik, B. J., & Duffy, R. (2012). Making your job a calling: How the psychology of vocation can change your life at work. West Conshohocken, PA: Templeton Press. Dik, B. J., & Duffy, R. (2012). Making your job a calling: How the psychology of vocation can change your life at work. West Conshohocken, PA: Templeton Press.
go back to reference Dilthey, W. (2002). The formation of the historical world in the human sciences. Wilhelm Dilthey selected works. Volume III. Princeton University Press, Princeton. Dilthey, W. (2002). The formation of the historical world in the human sciences. Wilhelm Dilthey selected works. Volume III. Princeton University Press, Princeton.
go back to reference Elifson, J. M., & Stone, K. (1985). Integrating social, moral, and cognitive developmental theories: Implications of James Fowler’s epistemological paradigm for basic writers. Journal of Basic Writing, 4(2), 24–37. Elifson, J. M., & Stone, K. (1985). Integrating social, moral, and cognitive developmental theories: Implications of James Fowler’s epistemological paradigm for basic writers. Journal of Basic Writing, 4(2), 24–37.
go back to reference Fowler, J. W. (1976). Agenda towards a developmental perspective on faith. Religious Education, 69, 209–219. Fowler, J. W. (1976). Agenda towards a developmental perspective on faith. Religious Education, 69, 209–219.
go back to reference Fowler, J. W. (1980). Faith and the structure of meaning. In C. Dykstra & S. Parks (Eds.), Faith development and Fowler (pp. 15–42). Birmingham: Religious Education Press. Fowler, J. W. (1980). Faith and the structure of meaning. In C. Dykstra & S. Parks (Eds.), Faith development and Fowler (pp. 15–42). Birmingham: Religious Education Press.
go back to reference Fowler, J. W. (1981). Stages of faith: The psychology of human development and the quest for meaning. San Francisco, CA: Harper and Row. Fowler, J. W. (1981). Stages of faith: The psychology of human development and the quest for meaning. San Francisco, CA: Harper and Row.
go back to reference Fowler, J. W. (1984). Becoming adult, becoming Christian. San Francisco, CA: Harper and Row. Fowler, J. W. (1984). Becoming adult, becoming Christian. San Francisco, CA: Harper and Row.
go back to reference Fowler, J. W. (1986). Faith and the structuring of meaning. In C. Dykstra, & S. Parks (Eds.), Faith development and Fowler (pp. 15–42). Birmingham, AL: Religious Education Press. Fowler, J. W. (1986). Faith and the structuring of meaning. In C. Dykstra, & S. Parks (Eds.), Faith development and Fowler (pp. 15–42). Birmingham, AL: Religious Education Press.
go back to reference Fowler, J. W. (1987). Faith development and pastoral care. Philadelphia, PA: Fortress Press. Fowler, J. W. (1987). Faith development and pastoral care. Philadelphia, PA: Fortress Press.
go back to reference Fowler, J. W. (1991). Stages in faith consciousness. New Directions for Child and Adolescent Development, 52, 27–45.CrossRef Fowler, J. W. (1991). Stages in faith consciousness. New Directions for Child and Adolescent Development, 52, 27–45.CrossRef
go back to reference Fowler, J. W. (1996). Faithful change: The personal and public challenges of postmodern life. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press. Fowler, J. W. (1996). Faithful change: The personal and public challenges of postmodern life. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press.
go back to reference Fowler, J. W. (2000). Becoming adult, becoming Christian: Adult development and Christian faith. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass Publishers. Fowler, J. W. (2000). Becoming adult, becoming Christian: Adult development and Christian faith. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass Publishers.
go back to reference Fowler, J. W. (2004). Faith development at 30: Naming the challenges of faith in a new millennium. Religious Education, 99(4), 405–421.CrossRef Fowler, J. W. (2004). Faith development at 30: Naming the challenges of faith in a new millennium. Religious Education, 99(4), 405–421.CrossRef
go back to reference Fowler, J. W., & Dell, M. L. (2004). Stages of faith and identity: Birth to teens. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 13, 17–34.CrossRefPubMed Fowler, J. W., & Dell, M. L. (2004). Stages of faith and identity: Birth to teens. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 13, 17–34.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Fowler, J. W., & Keen, S. (1978). Life maps: Conversations on the journey of faith. Minneapolis, MN: Winston Press. Fowler, J. W., & Keen, S. (1978). Life maps: Conversations on the journey of faith. Minneapolis, MN: Winston Press.
go back to reference Fowler, J. W., & Levin, R. (1984). Stages of faith: The psychology of human development and the quest for meaning. International Journal for Philosophy of Religion, 15(1), 89–92. Fowler, J. W., & Levin, R. (1984). Stages of faith: The psychology of human development and the quest for meaning. International Journal for Philosophy of Religion, 15(1), 89–92.
go back to reference Gouws, A. (2008). Obstacles for women in leadership positions: A case of South Africa. Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society, 34(1), 21–27. doi: org/10.1086/588486. Gouws, A. (2008). Obstacles for women in leadership positions: A case of South Africa. Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society, 34(1), 21–27. doi: org/10.​1086/​588486.
go back to reference Heywood, D. (2008). Faith development theory: A case for paradigm change. Journal of Beliefs and Values, 29, 263–272.CrossRef Heywood, D. (2008). Faith development theory: A case for paradigm change. Journal of Beliefs and Values, 29, 263–272.CrossRef
go back to reference Holland, T. P. (1989). Values, faith and professional practice. Social Thought, 15(1), 28–40.CrossRef Holland, T. P. (1989). Values, faith and professional practice. Social Thought, 15(1), 28–40.CrossRef
go back to reference Hughes, F. (1997). James Fowler’s concept of faith development—An evangelican perspective. Whitefield Briefing, 2(5), 1–4. Hughes, F. (1997). James Fowler’s concept of faith development—An evangelican perspective. Whitefield Briefing, 2(5), 1–4.
go back to reference Josselson, R. (2009). The present of the past: Dialogues with memory over time. Personality, 77(3), 647–668.CrossRef Josselson, R. (2009). The present of the past: Dialogues with memory over time. Personality, 77(3), 647–668.CrossRef
go back to reference Keller, B., & Streib, H. (2013). Faith development, religious styles and biographical narratives: Methodological perspectives. Journal of Empirical Theology, 26, 1–21.CrossRef Keller, B., & Streib, H. (2013). Faith development, religious styles and biographical narratives: Methodological perspectives. Journal of Empirical Theology, 26, 1–21.CrossRef
go back to reference Keller, B., Klein, C., & Streib, H. (2013). Das faith development interview. Zur Exploration von Spiritualität im psychotherapeutischen Setting. Spiritual Care, 1, 35–43. Keller, B., Klein, C., & Streib, H. (2013). Das faith development interview. Zur Exploration von Spiritualität im psychotherapeutischen Setting. Spiritual Care, 1, 35–43.
go back to reference Khani, A., Darvish, H., Miandari, K., & Arani, H. (2013). The role of spiritual leadership in empowering employees: A case study of educational system. Management Science Letters, 3(3), 1013–1018.CrossRef Khani, A., Darvish, H., Miandari, K., & Arani, H. (2013). The role of spiritual leadership in empowering employees: A case study of educational system. Management Science Letters, 3(3), 1013–1018.CrossRef
go back to reference Koenig, H. G. (2005). Faith and mental health: Religious resources for healing. Philadelphia, PA: Templeton Foundation Press. Koenig, H. G. (2005). Faith and mental health: Religious resources for healing. Philadelphia, PA: Templeton Foundation Press.
go back to reference Koenig, H. G. (2014). Aging and God: Spiritual pathways to mental health in midlife and later years (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Routledge. Koenig, H. G. (2014). Aging and God: Spiritual pathways to mental health in midlife and later years (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Routledge.
go back to reference Leider, R. J. (2015). The power of purpose: Creating meaning in your life and work. Oakland, CA: Berrett-Koehler Publishers. Leider, R. J. (2015). The power of purpose: Creating meaning in your life and work. Oakland, CA: Berrett-Koehler Publishers.
go back to reference Lincoln, Y. S., & Guba, E. (1985). Naturalistic inquiry. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Lincoln, Y. S., & Guba, E. (1985). Naturalistic inquiry. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
go back to reference Lips-Wiersma, M. (2002). The influence of spiritual “meaning-making” on career behavior. Journal of Management Development, 21(7), 497–520.CrossRef Lips-Wiersma, M. (2002). The influence of spiritual “meaning-making” on career behavior. Journal of Management Development, 21(7), 497–520.CrossRef
go back to reference Lynn, M. L., Naughton, M., & Veen, S. (2011). Connecting religion and work: Patterns and influences of work-faith integration. Human Relations, 64(5), 675–701.CrossRef Lynn, M. L., Naughton, M., & Veen, S. (2011). Connecting religion and work: Patterns and influences of work-faith integration. Human Relations, 64(5), 675–701.CrossRef
go back to reference Mayer, C.-H. (2015). A psychobiography of Paulo Coelho. Ph.D., University of Pretoria, Pretoria. Mayer, C.-H. (2015). A psychobiography of Paulo Coelho. Ph.D., University of Pretoria, Pretoria.
go back to reference Mayer, C.-H., & Barnard, A. (2015). Balancing the scales of gender and culture in contemporary South Africa. In S. Safdar & N. Kosakowska (Eds.), Psychology of gender through the lens of culture. Theories and applications (pp. 327–349). New York: Springer. Mayer, C.-H., & Barnard, A. (2015). Balancing the scales of gender and culture in contemporary South Africa. In S. Safdar & N. Kosakowska (Eds.), Psychology of gender through the lens of culture. Theories and applications (pp. 327–349). New York: Springer.
go back to reference Ngunjiri, F. W. (2010). Lessons in spiritual leadership from Kenyan women. Journal of Educational Administration, 48(6), 755–768.CrossRef Ngunjiri, F. W. (2010). Lessons in spiritual leadership from Kenyan women. Journal of Educational Administration, 48(6), 755–768.CrossRef
go back to reference Patton, M. Q. (2002). Qualitative research and evaluation methods. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Patton, M. Q. (2002). Qualitative research and evaluation methods. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
go back to reference Piaget, J. (1976). Piaget’s theory. Berlin: Springer. Piaget, J. (1976). Piaget’s theory. Berlin: Springer.
go back to reference Povee, K., & Roberts, L. (2014). Qualitative research in psychology: Attitudes of psychology students and academic staff. Australian Journal of Psychology, 66, 28–37.CrossRef Povee, K., & Roberts, L. (2014). Qualitative research in psychology: Attitudes of psychology students and academic staff. Australian Journal of Psychology, 66, 28–37.CrossRef
go back to reference Ramsauer, N., Manchen, S., & Weiss Sampietro, T. (2012). Technical companies in Switzerland on the way to a corporate culture in line with gender equality. In A. Beraud & A.-S. Godfrey (Eds.), Gender and interdisciplinary education for engineers (pp. 309–325). Zürich: Sense Publishers. Ramsauer, N., Manchen, S., & Weiss Sampietro, T. (2012). Technical companies in Switzerland on the way to a corporate culture in line with gender equality. In A. Beraud & A.-S. Godfrey (Eds.), Gender and interdisciplinary education for engineers (pp. 309–325). Zürich: Sense Publishers.
go back to reference Roscoe, L. J. (2009). Wellness: A review of theory and measurement for counselors. Journal of Counseling and Development, 87(2), 216–226.CrossRef Roscoe, L. J. (2009). Wellness: A review of theory and measurement for counselors. Journal of Counseling and Development, 87(2), 216–226.CrossRef
go back to reference Sang, K., Al-Dajani, H., & Özbilgin, M. (2013). Frayed careers of migrant female professors in British academia: An intersectional perspective. Gender, Work and Organization, 20(2), 158–171.CrossRef Sang, K., Al-Dajani, H., & Özbilgin, M. (2013). Frayed careers of migrant female professors in British academia: An intersectional perspective. Gender, Work and Organization, 20(2), 158–171.CrossRef
go back to reference Streib, H. (2005). Faith development research revisited: Accounting for diversity in structure, content, and narrativity of faith. The International Journal for the Psychology of Religion, 15(2), 99–121.CrossRef Streib, H. (2005). Faith development research revisited: Accounting for diversity in structure, content, and narrativity of faith. The International Journal for the Psychology of Religion, 15(2), 99–121.CrossRef
go back to reference Stroud, L.-A. (2004). A psychobiographical study of Mother Theresa. Ph.D., University of Port Elizabeth, Port Elisabeth. Stroud, L.-A. (2004). A psychobiographical study of Mother Theresa. Ph.D., University of Port Elizabeth, Port Elisabeth.
go back to reference Terre Blanche, M., Durrheim, K., & Kelly, K. (2006). First steps in qualitative data analysis. In M. T. Blanche, K. Durrheim, & D. Painter (Eds.), Research in practice: Applied methods for the social sciences (pp. 321–344). Cape Town: University of Cape Town. Terre Blanche, M., Durrheim, K., & Kelly, K. (2006). First steps in qualitative data analysis. In M. T. Blanche, K. Durrheim, & D. Painter (Eds.), Research in practice: Applied methods for the social sciences (pp. 321–344). Cape Town: University of Cape Town.
go back to reference UNESCO. (2010). Engineering: Issues, challenges and opportunities for development. Paris: UNESCO. UNESCO. (2010). Engineering: Issues, challenges and opportunities for development. Paris: UNESCO.
go back to reference Van Wyk, M. (2012). Women leaders, personal leadership and challenges. Ph.D., University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg. Van Wyk, M. (2012). Women leaders, personal leadership and challenges. Ph.D., University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg.
go back to reference Wallace, M., & Sheldon, N. (2014). Women and engineering: A workforce development issue. In R. Harris & T. Short (Eds.), Workforce development (pp. 113–129). Singapore: Springer.CrossRef Wallace, M., & Sheldon, N. (2014). Women and engineering: A workforce development issue. In R. Harris & T. Short (Eds.), Workforce development (pp. 113–129). Singapore: Springer.CrossRef
go back to reference Wallace, M., Sheldon, N., Lings, I., & Cameron, R. (2011). Rail attraction and image for the Australian rail industry. Paper presented at the British Academy of Management Conference, Sheffield, UK, September 2011. Wallace, M., Sheldon, N., Lings, I., & Cameron, R. (2011). Rail attraction and image for the Australian rail industry. Paper presented at the British Academy of Management Conference, Sheffield, UK, September 2011.
go back to reference Wang, X. (2012). The construction of researcher-researched relationships in school ethnography: Doing research, participating in the field and reflecting on ethical dilemmas. International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education, 26(7), 763–779.CrossRef Wang, X. (2012). The construction of researcher-researched relationships in school ethnography: Doing research, participating in the field and reflecting on ethical dilemmas. International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education, 26(7), 763–779.CrossRef
go back to reference Watt, S. K. (2003). Come to the river: Using spirituality to cope, resist, and develop identity. New directions for student services, 104, 29–40.CrossRef Watt, S. K. (2003). Come to the river: Using spirituality to cope, resist, and develop identity. New directions for student services, 104, 29–40.CrossRef
go back to reference Weidenfeller, N. K., & Gibson, S. (2008). Breaking through the glass wall: The experience of being a woman enterprise leader. In Academy of Human Resources Development Conference Proceedings, USA. Weidenfeller, N. K., & Gibson, S. (2008). Breaking through the glass wall: The experience of being a woman enterprise leader. In Academy of Human Resources Development Conference Proceedings, USA.
go back to reference Yin, R. K. (2009). Case study research: Design and methods. New York, NY: Sage. Yin, R. K. (2009). Case study research: Design and methods. New York, NY: Sage.
Metadata
Title
“Can One Put Faith and Work in the Same Sentence?” Faith Development and Vocation of a Female Leader in the Engineering Profession
Authors
Claude-Hélène Mayer
Rian Viviers
Publication date
01-06-2018
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Religion and Health / Issue 3/2018
Print ISSN: 0022-4197
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6571
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-017-0404-2

Other articles of this Issue 3/2018

Journal of Religion and Health 3/2018 Go to the issue