Many of the principles used in business today date back to the Bible. Though subtle, often paraphrased, and even partially cited, biblical principles play a valuable role in both society and today’s workplace. Without a doubt, there are legal and ethical bases for not mixing work and religion. While some believe that “religion” in any form has no place in a briefcase, much less in the boardroom, others achieve success by incorporating biblical principles personally and professionally.
Founder and CEO of World Wide Technology, David steward, is a living testimony to the success found in applying biblical principles in the workplace. Both the company and the owner have amassed an extensive list of accolades over a fifteen-year period. World Wide accolades include the fastest-growing company in the St. Louis region, the world’s largest African-American-owned company, and “Company of the Year” (Black Enterprise 1999). Author of Doing business according to the good bookSteward’s personal accolades include “Entrepreneur of the Year” in technology (Ernst & Young, 1998) and “SBA Business Person of the Year” (1997).
According to Steward, the foundation of a company consists of “trust, integrity, [and] faith in each other, teamwork … “These basic principles are also biblical. In addition to using faith, success in business involves defining a purpose. Steward believes that the main purpose of a business is to serve the rest. How Businesses serve others can be seen in the result. “At the end of the day,” says Steward, “people do business with people they like and trust.” If the core values of a company are correct, selfless and service oriented, “profits will come …”
Detractors argue that religion in the workplace is biblical or hinders work flow and job performance. For example, praying before meetings diverts attention from the purpose of work, as does Bible study and “testimony.” Therefore, incorporating biblical principles is not a necessary part of conducting business.
Cristiano and President of Ferguson Media, Andrea ferguson, you would not easily apply biblical principles in the workplace in the same way that it is expressed openly in a church or synagogue. “I don’t think it is necessary to pass on my religious beliefs to others or to quote the Bible in the workplace and in meetings,” Ferguson said. “Rather, I incorporate my belief system to help me throughout the day, making decisions, dealing with others, or even landing new business.”
While the executive of the marketing and public relations firm says that her “belief system” is what makes her stand out, Ferguson acknowledges that biblical principles can “provide a solid foundation on how to deal with any type of situation, client or client. draft”. Ferguson also believes that the Bible has the ultimate formula for success.
Is there a meaningful way to use biblical principles in the workplace? President and CEO of Four-D College, Linda Smith uses biblical principles to “[manage] Four-D … and addressing issues with staff, faculty, people in the community, or business partners. ”While applying biblical principles is a normal part of the work day, the emphasis at Four-D is to show them How to treat people to students. Like Steward, Smith has a collection of accolades that speak to his success. Established in 1992, Four-D thrives under Smith’s leadership and commitment to being led by God.
Since the application of biblical principles in any setting tends to depend on faith, business owners like Joseph twanda Provide ample balance. The WiseEffects consultant, trainer and talk show host believes that being a Christian and implementing business principles are inseparable. “You cannot separate a true person of faith from his faith.” Jose says. “When you make a person of faith feel like they have to leave an important part of themselves out when they come to work, you end up with employees who are ‘half’ at their job … They operate by a double standard and compromise their true character just to fit the business environment. “
Realizing that it is difficult to distinguish a person of their faith, Joseph argues that a company would be better served if employees were allowed to “focus on being a person of character and integrity in the workplace and beyond.”
Rules for leaders In relation to the workplace, employers and employees consciously or unconsciously integrate biblical principles with business practices. Most people exhibit character, integrity, loyalty, respect, discretion, philanthropy, and ethics as a matter of personal practice. Less common is what people attribute the most to the Bible: prayer, scripture reading, direct references or acknowledgment of God, Jesus, or even proselytizing. Rare applications include actions that normally occur during a religious service or event.
Labeled as such or not, Bible-based principles can be actively applied in the workplace within reason. Private companies can initiate or even support religious practices in the workplace. However, Title VII of the Civil Rights Laws of 1964 prohibits private companies from the following:
-Requiring participation in religious events / activities
-Employ, compensate or advance based on religious beliefs.
-Hiring, promoting or firing based on an employee’s preference not to participate in a religious event / activity
-Proselitize in an invasive, coercive or harassing way
With some exceptions, churches, synagogues, mosques, and other religious organizations can preserve their underlying mission. Otherwise, making religious observances optional will help private companies stay within legal guidelines.