Exploring the effects of Isha Kriya on job performance: A pilot study of organizational citizenship and counterproductive behaviors
I. Alba Sánchez, Patricia Carmina Inzunza Mejía, Dulce Livier Castro Cuadras
Dékau Perú December 18, 2025 DOI: 10.55996/dekape.v3i1.352 (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA 90-day daily meditation practice using the Isha Kriya technique was associated with a moderate increase in Organizational Citizenship Behaviors and a slight reduction in Counterproductive Work Behaviors among academic employees. Participants also reported improved subjective job performance. Linear regression indicated a weak positive association between meditation frequency and Organizational Citizenship Behaviors, but no significant association with Counterproductive Work Behaviors. Due to a small sample size and variable adherence, the findings are preliminary. The results suggest low-cost meditation practices may support well-being and prosocial behavior in institutional settings.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Quasi-experimental pilot study with non-equivalent control group Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 20 |
| Population | Academic employees in an academic setting |
| Intervention | Isha Kriya meditation |
| Duration | 90-day intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Organizational citizenship behavior Psychological intervention Prosocial behavior Intervention counseling |
| Key finding | Daily meditation practice was associated with a moderate increase in Organizational Citizenship Behaviors and a slight reduction in Counterproductive Work Behaviors, with a weak positive association between meditation frequency and OCB. |
Abstract
This pilot study explores the effects of daily meditation practice on job performance, Organizational Citizenship Behaviors (OCB), and Counterproductive Work Behaviors (CWB) in an academic setting. Using a quasi-experimental design with a non-equivalent control group, a 90-day intervention based on the Isha Kriya meditation technique was implemented. The experimental group (n=17) and the control group (n=3) completed validated instruments at two time points: pre- and post-intervention. Results showed a moderate increase in OCB scores and a slight reduction in CWB scores among the experimental group. Participants also reported improved subjective job performance, as reflected in self-reported academic evaluations. Linear regression models were applied to assess causality; findings suggested a weak but positive association between meditation frequency and OCB, and a non-significant association with CWB. Given the small sample size and variability in adherence, the study should be interpreted as preliminary evidence. Nonetheless, these pilot findings contribute to the growing body of literature on meditation and organizational psychology, and suggest that low-cost, accessible practices like meditation could serve as effective interventions to promote well-being and prosocial conduct within institutions.