Abstract
This conceptual paper examines how the Book of Psalms offers an integrative moral framework that enriches contemporary purpose-driven leadership theory. Although modern management scholarship increasingly emphasizes purpose, stakeholder orientation, and meaningful work, it often focuses on strategic articulation rather than the ethical and relational practices that sustain purpose over time. Drawing on selected Psalms as a historically influential corpus of leadership reflection, this study identifies key leadership principles and situates them within established management literature. Purpose-driven leadership rooted in ancient values builds psychologically safe environments. In these spaces, employees view their work as a meaningful calling instead of a simple economic transaction. This integration of enduring moral reflection with contemporary organizational theory contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of leadership that aligns economic performance with ethical responsibility and long-term social impact.
Recommended Citation
Friedman, Hershey H. and Zeng, Xianfang
(2026)
"Sustaining Purpose in Organizations: Leadership Insights from the Psalms,"
The Journal of Values-Based Leadership: Vol. 19
:
Iss.
2
, Article 14.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22543/1948-0733.1633
Available at:
https://scholar.valpo.edu/jvbl/vol19/iss2/14
