Many principles used in business today can be traced back to the Bible. Though subtle, often paraphrased, and even quoted in part, Biblical principles play a valuable role in both society and the workplace today. Undoubtedly, there are legal and ethical grounds for not mixing work and religion. While some believe that “religion” in any form has no place in a briefcase, let alone a boardroom, others find success by embodying biblical principles personally and professionally.
Founder and CEO of World Wide Technology, David Stewart, is a living testimonial 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 period of fifteen years. World Wide accolades include fastest growing company in the St. Louis region, largest African-American company in the world, and “Company of the Year” (Black Enterprise 1999). author of Doing Business by 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 business is made up of “trust, integrity, [and] faith in others, 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 others. As companies serve others can be seen in the result. “At the end of the day,” Steward says, “people do business with people they like and trust.” If a company’s core values are right, selfless and service oriented, “the profits will come…”.
Naysayers argues that workplace religion biblical or otherwise hinders workflow and job performance. For example, praying before meetings diverts attention from the purpose of work, as do Bible study and “testimony.” Therefore, incorporating Biblical principles is not a necessary part of doing business.
To Christian and President of Ferguson Media, Andrea Ferguson, you would not readily apply Biblical principles in the workplace in the same way that they are openly expressed in a church or synagogue. “I don’t think it’s necessary to impart my religious beliefs to others or quote the Bible in the workplace and in meetings,” Ferguson said. “Rather, I incorporate my belief system to help me through the day, when making decisions, dealing with others, or even getting new business.”
While the executive at the marketing and public relations firm says her “belief system” is what makes her stand out, Ferguson acknowledges that Biblical principles can “provide a solid foundation for how to deal with any type of situation, client or project”. Ferguson also believes that the Bible holds 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 address issues with staff, faculty, people in the community, or business partners.” Although the application of Biblical principles is a normal part of the workday, the emphasis at Four-D is to show students how to treat people. Like Steward, Smith has a collection of accolades that speak to her 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 field tends to depend on faith, business owners like Jose Twanda Wide provide balance. The WiseEffects consultant, trainer, and talk show host believes that being a Christian and implementing business principles are inseparable. “You can’t separate a true person of faith from his faith.” Jose says. “When you make a person of faith feel like they have to leave a big part of themselves out when they come to work, you end up with employees who are only ‘half’ at work… They operate by double standards and compromise their true character just to fit into the corporate environment.
Realizing that it’s hard to tell a person from 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 of the time people exhibit character, integrity, loyalty, respect, discretion, philanthropy and ethics as a matter of personal practice. Less frequent is what people attribute most to the Bible: prayer, reading the Scriptures, direct references to 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 Acts of 1964 prohibits private companies from:
-Require participation in religious events/activities
-Employ, compensate or promote based on religious beliefs
-Hire, promote or fire based on an employee’s preference not to participate in a religious event/activity
-Proselytizing in an invasive, coercive or harassing way
With few exceptions, churches, synagogues, mosques and other religious organizations can preserve their fundamental mission. Otherwise, making religious practices optional will help private companies stay within legal guidelines.
