ABSTRACT
This study examined workplace spirituality and counterproductive work behaviour in public universities in Edo State, Nigeria. Specifically, it assessed the relationship between meaningful work, sense of community, and alignment with organizational values and counterproductive work behaviour in public universities in Edo State, Nigeria. The survey research design was adopted for this research study. The population of the study encompassed a total of 3452 employees working in the University of Benin and Benson Idahosa University in Benin City, Edo State. A total of 200 copies of the questionnaire were distributed whereas 118 copies were retrieved and found usable. A convenience sampling procedure was used in administering the copies of the questionnaire to sample respondents who are employees working in the University of Benin and Benson Idahosa University in Benin City, Edo State. The data collected through questionnaire administration was analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution, mean and standard deviation. Multiple regression analysis was used to test the null hypotheses and estimate the research model using the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) technique through the use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 24. The study found that there is a significant positive relationship between meaningful work, sense of community, and alignment with organizational values and counterproductive work behaviour in public universities in Edo State, Nigeria. The study recommends that public universities in Edo State, Nigeria make work more meaningful, foster a compassionate workplace culture, implement mindfulness training programs, encourage employees to find purpose and fulfillment in their work by aligning job roles with individual values and goals, encouraging acts of compassion and empathy among colleagues and supervisors, helping individuals become more self-aware, manage stress, and improve their emotional regulation. Also, they should promote employee engagement through meaningful work assignments, opportunities for personal growth, and recognition of employees' contributions to the university ultimately reducing counterproductive behaviors.
