If, on the other hand, we accept that we are both material and spiritual beings, and that development of our spiritual qualities has an overriding importance, work must be redefined to meet our need for a deeper meaning to our lives. We can no longer regard work simply as a means of survival or as a means to earn money merely to fuel an ever-expanding acquisitive economy. To be meaningful, work must be seen as an opportunity for personal growth and as a form of service to humanity. And it also leads to greater creativity and commitment at all levels of the organization. The standard of truth-seeking demanded by this process far exceeds the usual patterns of negotiation and compromise.
Consultation requires both personal detachment and group unity.
It also requires replacing the desire to prevail in power struggles with the ability to listen and seek the best solutions. Recent research validates the observation that consultation is a characteristic of organizations that survive over the long term. They realize that business must also improve the health of the society in which they operate. Increasingly, business leaders and managers are discovering that socially responsible practices enhance long-term profitability and competitiveness. Satisfied employees work better, energy efficiency lowers costs, and healthy communities help attract and retain good employees.