Essential components of wisdom and ways to measure the trait

We probably all know wise people, mentors and leaders who possess a certain perspective that radiates out and makes us appreciate their presence in our lives. But it can be hard to pinpoint the source of their wisdom. Sometimes it feels like wisdom is one of life’s little secrets, left only for wise people to truly understand.

Fortunately, Monika Ardelt has dedicated herself to revealing these secrets. For decades, Ardelt, a professor of sociology at UF, has studied what makes people wise and how this quality benefits wise individuals and their communities. Her research has established the essential components of wisdom and developed ways to measure the trait.

Ardelt has recently turned her attention to studying wisdom in organizations and businesses to understand how institutions can cultivate wisdom that benefits themselves and their communities. Wise organizations can deepen employee connection to the firm, reducing turnover and improving their work.

So we asked Ardelt about her latest research, which she published recently in the Business and Professional Ethics Journal with her graduate student Bhavna Sharma. They uncovered these elements of organizational wisdom and how businesses can ensure they act wisely.