Advanced Spiritual Knowledge Management: Main Features of the Concept and Initial Ideas for Implementation in Schools and School Pastoral Care

Abstract

Purpose: This paper aims to conceptualize and explore Spiritual Knowledge Management (SpKM) as an advanced and transformative paradigm within the evolving field of Knowledge Management (KM). It shifts KM’s purpose from supporting predefined goals to enabling a learning journey toward the best version of the self or the organization, integrating spiritual, non-rational, and identity-forming dimensions of knowledge. Research Methodology: The study combines conceptual development grounded in interdisciplinary literature with empirical data from a large-scale quantitative survey on school pastoral care. The survey, conducted in the Archdiocese of Salzburg, included 844 valid student responses and explored the role of faith, identity, and expectations regarding school pastoral care. Findings: The empirical results confirm that spiritual aspects of knowledge are relevant and meaningful in the educational context. Students value faith and spiritual guidance particularly in times of personal challenge and see school pastoral care as a support for identity formation, hope, and holistic personal development—elements strongly aligned with the principles of Spiritual KM. Implications of the Study: These findings suggest that school pastoral care is a suitable and impactful domain for implementing Spiritual KM. Moreover, SpKM could inform broader educational strategies by integrating deeper learning processes and resonance-based reflection, thereby fostering wisdom and ethical orientation in knowledge development. Practicality of the Study: The study demonstrates how spiritual knowledge can be accessed and applied in real-world educational contexts. It proposes that SpKM principles be integrated into school systems through staff development, pedagogical methods, and strategic design of spiritual learning environments. Value/Originality of the Study: This is the first study to apply the emerging concept of Spiritual Knowledge Management to the context of school pastoral care. It contributes to the redefinition of KM by incorporating spirituality and purpose as central components and demonstrates its practical relevance through empirical validation.