ABSTRACT
The idea of kindness having a positive effect on humanity is conveyed throughout religious thinking. This chapter argues that kindness in organisations can be grouped into five areas. These include the values and purpose of the organisation; senior management commitment to the importance of kindness and walking the talk; and building an internal culture of fairness, trust, inclusiveness, empowerment and respect. These also include making small everyday acts of kindness; building external trust-based relationships with customers, clients and the outside world. Fairness is a critical underpinning and component of kindness, particularly in an organisational context. Empathy was felt to be important because understanding the other and their world view is a foundation for emotional intelligence, compassion and imagination. Educating for kindness, including a focus on the development of mutual respect and skills like listening, mentoring and emotional intelligence and perhaps training in mindfulness meditation.
