S p i r i t ua l i t y S t u d i e s 7 - 1 S p r i n g 2 0 2 1 6 9 Raysa Geaquinto Rocha 1 Introduction Phronesis –“practical wisdom”, is a concept developed by Aristotle that concerns to the correct use of means with the achievement of a good purpose in human affairs (Aristotle 1893). It can be an asset supporting companies to successfully survive and do good to society (Nonaka and Takeuchi 2011; 2019). Aristotle (1893) differentiates “practical wisdom” (Gr. phronesis) from “wisdom” (Gr. sophia). Whereas phronesis deals with human affairs, sophia deals with objects of the noblest nature. Nonaka and Takeuchi (2011; 2019) argue that it is necessary to develop practical wisdom through the leader to the company ultimately. The organization ought to practice knowledge correctly. Its members shall learn intangible capabilities beyond explicit knowledge and traditional soft skills to create economic value and social good (Bierly, Kessler and Christensen 2000; Rowley 2006; Nonaka and Takeuchi 2019), to achieve practical wisdom. Spirituality has a crucial role in the development of these intangible capabilities (Cavanagh and Bandsuch 2002). Once that, it fosters the search for meaning and purpose, feeling of belonging, mutual trust (Pawar 2017; Karakas 2010b), and connectedness beyond the company (Pavlovich and Corner 2009). Both spirituality (Pawar 2017; Poole 2009; Rocha and Pinheiro 2020b) and practical wisdom (Erden, von Krogh and Nonaka 2008) can be approached in three levels: individual, workplace, and organizational. The leader shall be included, due to his or her distinct role as the main actor regarding the growth of both constructs (Fry and Cohen 2009; Nonaka and Takeuchi 2011; 2019; Rocha and Pinheiro 2020b). The organizational ambiance (physical, virtual, mental or blends) is composed of several shared contexts (ba) (Nonaka and Konno 1998; Nonaka and Takeuchi 2019) where the knowledge is shared, utilized, learned, and practical wisdom is settled (Nonaka et al. 2014; Nonaka and Takeuchi 2011; 2019). Therefore, this study has two purposes. First, to analyze the state of the art about the relationship between organizational spirituality, knowledge management, and organizational practical wisdom (phronesis). Second, to offer a theoretical framework of this relationship. In order to address these purposes, a systematic and an integrative review (Snyder 2019) are developed. Preexisting theory must orient the research questioning (Ezzy 2002). An integrative review is suitable for critical analysis and examination of the literature and the core ideas and relationships between constructs (Snyder 2019). About the authors Raysa Geaquinto Rocha, MSc., is a Ph.D. student at the University of Beira Interior, a researcher at the NECE, Research Center in Business Sciences, and a lawyer. Her main research areas are spirituality in organizations, organizational wisdom, and knowledge management. She is available at geaquinto. rocha@ubi.pt. Paulo Pinheiro, Ph.D., serves as a Professor at Beira Interior University, Business & Economics Department, and a researcher at the NECE, Research Center in Business Sciences. He is available at pgp@ubi.pt.
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