The relevance of spirituality and morality to human capital

Abstract

This study pertains to the relevance of spirituality and morality to Human Capital. It seeks to explain the link between spirituality and morality, and the importance of morality to human capital. The concept of 'self-interest' in conventional economics excludes moral adherence in economic transactions. Human capital indoctrinated with this concept would, inevitably be materialistic with the belief that 'the end justifies the means', thus, normalizing immoral behavior like exploiting disadvantage human-being in pursuit of economic good. This kind of Human Capital would not be a productive actor to the socio-economic development of the society, because he is lacking an essential component of human character which is moral values. This study traces the essence of morality to the spiritual faculties of the heart which are the elements of the Angelic-soul, and the essence of egoistic character to the Animalistic-soul, to establish the fact that morality is intrinsic part of human character. The methodology of the study is qualitative; it analyzes the perspectives of the conventional economist on 'self-interest' through perspectives of the theologians of Abrahamic Religions Islam, Christianity and Judaism on what constitute 'Human-self and human 'Innate abilities' that are vital for Human Capital Development Programs. It concludes that the concept of 'self-interest' in conventional economics must include 'moral-interest', and that morality must be intrinsically cultivated for the achievement of socially responsible Human Capital.