Exploring the linkages between spiritual wellness and ethics in international education: a phenomenological study
Despite increasing interest in the notion of spiritual wellness, there has been a lack of qualitative research conducted to date in connection with the relationship between spiritual wellness and ethical considerations. This is especially the case in the context of international education. Such research would help to shed valuable new light on the feelings and perceptions of the relevant individuals, particularly the senior-level and junior-level managers charged with ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of the relevant educational offers. The purpose of this qualitative study concerned developing an inductive and comprehensive understanding of the lived experiences of international college managers based in the UK (Oxford and the wider Oxfordshire area). This was with respect to the variegated nature of the relationship between spiritual wellness and ethical considerations in international education, the phenomenon under consideration. Phenomenological analysis revealed ten essential themes, namely noble and timeless values, respect and awareness, compassion and empathy, cultivated metacognition, readiness to challenge and transcend, reciprocity, plurality, solidarity, sustainability and subsidiarity. Inter alia, it was found that both senior and junior managers in international colleges in Oxford and the wider Oxfordshire area perceive the various issues potentially linking spiritual wellness and ethical considerations in an imaginative fashion, being able to draw links but not necessarily with ease. One clear implication arising from the findings was that if the relevant establishments focused more on adhering to robust codes of ethics, this is likely to have a positive effect on the level of spiritual wellness within the same organisations. Another clear implication stemming from the findings is that the issue of spiritual wellness vis-à-vis ethical considerations, viewed at from a phenomenological perspective, is clearly a structural problem.