Reply to the below post in 200 words. The reply must include at least 2 scholarly sources (published within the last 5 years) in addition to the course textbook (attached) and relevant biblical integration. All citations and references must be in the current APA format. Do not repeat the same sources as the original post; use the text or Biblical integration.
Jeff Van Duzer identified three main components that Christians should use to create their Biblical business worldview. First, he asks the question “What do you think about business?”. Typically he receives a diverse set of answers to this question. Atif (2019) says, “In the case of multiple purpose businesses, how can economic and non-economic objectives, whether social or ethical, be integrated under one theoretical framework? How do multiple purposes obtain the ‘social acceptability’ (legitimacy of business)? These two sets of questions have inspired a large body of scholarly research” (pg. 402). Christian business owners should consider how their religious perspectives influence and impact the organizations that they are a part of. Is it possible that the Christian businessperson is impartial and more lenient toward individuals of similar backgrounds and theology? Is it possible that the Christian business discriminates against individuals from different religious backgrounds? Is it possible that Christian business practices make it so that the company is not financially stable or sustainable? Other questions to consider for the Christian business owner are “How do my religious ideologies enhance my product, service, and reputation?”, and “What sort of benefits does the religious label add to my brand?”. Lastly, “Does a Christian environment enhance the overall organizational behavior within the company?” These questions will identify how a Christian business person thinks about business?
An important factor to consider is the spiritual ramifications that ensue when making business decisions. Where a company receives the materials ro make their goods, the manufacturing process to produce those goods, the wages paid to their employees, and even the type of merchandise a company decides to sell all contribute to advancing God’s kingdom. The efforts that are made to incorporate scripture, spirituality, and the Gospel will distinguish a company between a Christian and non-faith-based organization. Not every Christian-owned company is considered a religious establishment. Regardless of whether the corporation considers themselves to be Christian or not, they have the opportunity to advance God’s kingdom through their policies, their products, and their general procedures. The way to advance God’s kingdom within your organization is to entangle and weave Biblical truths within the infrastructure of the company. On a more practical level, it means the decision-making process, the leadership team, and business practices lean more toward what Jesus would do.
Faith should guide and direct all the decisions that are made within a company. Decisions such as whether to observe the sabbath, whether to allow employees to express their religious beliefs in the professional setting, and whether to demonstrate inclusivity. James 5:4 (ESV) argues that the way you treat your employees is impacted by your faith when it says, “Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts.” These are examples of general business matters that determine how customers, employees, and random individuals interact with your company. Their perspective of your company will shift based on how you incorporate or don’t incorporate your faith.
References
Atif, M. (2019). (re) discovering the business purpose: A discursive approach to CSR and stakeholder management. Society and Business Review, 14(4), 401-414. https://doi.org/10.1108/SBR-07-2018-0078
English Standards Version. (2016). James 5:4.
