Download - Business to serve!
Towards an ethical and responsible business!
Legha MomtazianSeptember 2013PhD researcherUniversity of Sheffield
Based on the Baha’i principles
Objectives: To explore the impact of religious beliefs
on business, historical review To explore how Baha’i principles are
similar and different with Islam, Christianity and Judaism
To investigate the spirit of service in business context
To study how consultation has been referred to and practiced in business
The impact of religious beliefs on business
Weberian (Protestant) perspective
Marx and Engels
The recent (empirical) studies of the effect of religion on business and workplace show a variety of impacts on motives, attitudes and behaviour including on business ethics and creating values in the workplace
Weberian(Protestant) perspective
Industriousness
Rational economic behavior
Motivation to work
Formation of enterprise
Capitalism
Work as a means of grace from God (a “calling”)
Religion
Religion, an illusionary source of happiness The tool to bring obedience for masters
Business
Marx and Engels perspective
The impact of religious beliefs on business
Weberian (Protestant) perspective
Marx and Engels
The recent (empirical) studies of the effect of religion on business and workplace show a variety of impacts on motives, attitudes and behaviour including on business ethics and creating values in the workplace
In Baha’i principles:
“Work done in the spirit of service is the highest form of
worship.”
The Baha'i faith in relation to Islam, Christianity and Judaism• Noble and sacred Human Beings (in Baha’i principles,
man regarded as a mine “rich in gems of inestimable value”)
• Notion of doing the right thing and Legitimate Earning (the noble man, has been specialized with supreme bestowals to “to make him the manifestation of divine virtues, a radiant light in the world of creation, a source of life and the agency of constructiveness in the infinite fields of existence.” )
• Love of God (In Baha’i principles it is referred to as Application of the Science of Love of God in business. It is also mentioned: “Observe My commandments, for the love of My beauty”)
The Baha'i faith in relation to Islam, Christianity and Judaism Justice and Fairness through Golden Rule
(equality and brotherhood contributing to preservation of he rights of mankind --> prefer others to oneself and sacrifice ones life and property for others)
Honesty and Trustworthiness Sharing (“ready willingness to share” in
Baha’i principles) Stewardship and Concern for Poor (Poor as
the trust of God among riches) Care for Animals and the Environment
Uniquely discussed in Baha’i principles: Spirit of service (work as worship, if “done in
the spirit of service”) Cease to War Expenditure (the enormous
resources wasted on war to be utilised towards betterment of human life.
Consultation (people of a village, members of a profession or in industry and commerce are advised to refer to consultation in order to find the right solution but with its essential characteristics)
Service in literature Corporate social responsibility Social entrepreneurship as a business
model Leadership vs. management Power structures and organizational
structures in comparison with consultation based structure
Employee involvement and responsibility
Spirit of service in Business:
Organization objectives, structures,
strategies, environment/culture
Employee relations
Customer relations
Stockholder relations
External relations with
financial institutions, suppliers, Gov. etc.
Employee involvement and responsibility Decide: Group members play their role as the sources of
information but the leader makes the decision without explaining his/her rationale to the group.
Consult (individual): The leader asks each group member’s opinion separately and decides based on individually obtained information.
Consult (group): Leader comes to a decision in consultation with the entire group at once.
Facilitate: The leader collaborates with a group towards a unified and consensual decision, without imposing any solution to the group. Thus the group makes the final decision.
Delegate: The leader passes the problem to the group and supports them while the group itself comes to a decision.
Can it work in?!
Competition?
Self-interest led consultations and no immediate intention for social
good?
Intolerance and disrespect?
Consultation in Baha’i principles
“The shining spark of truth comes forth after the clash of
differing opinions”
Objectives of consultation To bring forth: The light of awareness and certitude The shining spark of truth Unity Well being, tranquillity and felicity Assurance and solutions to the
problems
The prime requisites to consultation Purity of motive, Radiance of spirit,
Detachment, Attraction, Humility, Patience, Servitude
Utmost love, Harmony and Sincerity
Calmness and Composure
Utmost devotion, Courtesy, Dignity, Care and Moderation to express their views
Significance of unity“If they agree upon a subject, even though it be wrong, it is better than to disagree and be in the right, for this difference will produce the demolition of the divine foundation. Though one of the parties may be in the right and they disagree that will be the cause of a thousand wrongs”. (Abdu’l-Baha, 1976)
“If they agree and both parties are in the wrong, as it is in unity, the truth will be revealed and the wrong made right.” (Abdu’l-Baha, 1976)And unity “will offset any deficiency, and will eventually lead to the righting of the wrong.” (Abdu’l-Baha, 1991)
Empirical research to be doneObjectives: To explore the application of spirit of service in employee relations and related aspects, To explore consultation or other levels and methods employee involvement in decision-making
Design: Case Study research
Method: Multimethods with the focus on qualitative methods: interviews, questionnaire and observation
Summary and conclusion An alternative way to view the business is that
it exists to serve the society through its nature and activities!
This perspectives needs conscious responsibility of every one involved in a business, in their thoughts, decisions and action!
Inclusive Participatory Consultation in a frank and friendly environment may contribute to more responsible and service-oriented decisions. It could contribute to refining organization objectives, values and culture, etc.