Introducing an exemplary and soulful organization

Abstract

In this issue of the Journal of Management, Spirituality and Religion we are pleased to introduce the invited feature article “Nurturing the Soul of the Company at EILEEN FISHER, Inc.” by Bonita Betters-Reed, Sean Harvey, and Judi Neal. In this section of JMSR, our intent has been to bring a wide variety of types of articles – conceptual, empirical, interviews, case studies, essays, etc., addressing a broadness of topics and issues, and drawing on a wide variety of research methods. The multiplicity of distinct features of this article further contributes to this rich and diverse history of Invited Features appearing in the journal. Notably Betters-Reed, Harvey, and Neal present a case study that focuses on an exemplary organization launched by a thoughtful entrepreneur – Eileen Fisher – whose strong and inspiring values provided, and continue to provide, an overarching vision for a successful firm with a distinctive niche. It is a business run by a female majority. Its 2018 Annual Benefit Corporation Report shows that of the 1200 employees, 83% were female companywide; the stores were staffed by 95% female employees and a 87.5% female cohort was on the Board of Directors (EILEEN FISHER 2018). The company’s mission and product serve women by elevating women’s fashion in a way that enables clothing to become a significant source of confidence and comfort for the customer while adding social benefits within and beyond the company. Drawing on insightful interviews with key organization players and documented firm history the article provides a revealing glimpse of how a business can be simultaneously value-based, spiritual, and broadly supportive of multiple firm stakeholders (a central component of definitions of socially responsible business). They accomplish this through their quadruple bottom line of Financial, Environmental, Social, and Employee Well-Being. Importantly, this Invited Feature is very timely as it contributes to the growing wave of research and practice supporting diverse and inclusive organizations (Nkono et al. 2019). Gender bias and discrimination have been widely recognized as one of the larger challenges for successful companies in recent decades and especially now as we attempt to positively move forward in the new millennium. This article squarely focuses on an organization launched and managed by and serving women. Further, in the spirit of Appreciative Inquiry – i.e., learning from strengths and successes rather than focusing on identifying and solving problems (Cooperrider, Whitney, and Stavros 2003) – EILEEN FISHER as a case organization has much to offer as a model firm with a distinct timely approach to organizational success as it has met growth and transition challenges. Overall, “Nurturing the Soul of the Company at EILEEN FISHER, Inc.” by Bonita Betters-Reed, Sean Harvey, and Judi Neal is an insightful case study, distinctly focused on a value-based, enlightened, and sustainable-minded organization that features working, managing, and leading by and for women. JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT, SPIRITUALITY & RELIGION 2020, VOL. 17, NO. 3, 209–210 https://doi.org/10.1080/14766086.2020.1752993