THE ROLE OF FAITH IN THE BUSINESS WORLD Josh Pownall For

THE ROLE OF FAITH IN THE BUSINESS WORLD
Josh Pownall
For decades, institutions of higher learning have been a gateway into the professional
community. The time spent in college was meant for personal discovery, education, and preparation for
a chosen field. No matter the size of the institution or the discipline chosen, often times the
requirements are similar; introductory and survey-style courses followed by more involved specialty
classes.
The past few generations, including our current one, view college education as more than an
optional track. It is a necessity. While I greatly appreciate the opportunity to continue my education, I
also am conscious of the changes that our educational system seems to be undergoing. That is to say, I
don’t see a change in the need for higher education, but in the overall approach to teaching and, in turn,
to business. The rise in economic power and social influence of faith-based companies has brought forth
a new discussion over the role and efficacy of faith-based education in the modern world. This is an
argument about the integration of the seemingly contradictory ideas of faith and business and this essay
is my assessment of that role. The assessment comes from an analysis of the Holy Bible, an article taken
from BusinessWeek magazine, and outtakes from my own experiences and personal views.
Forgoing the idea of excluding other religions, which is not my intent, I chose to write this essay
on faith, rather than doctrine. I write it as a Christian, hoping to enlighten myself and would-be readers
on the purpose of our faith and how we conduct ourselves in the professional community.
In the Beginning: A Look at Business in the Bible
The Bible offers us a chance to see what a faith-based business looked like over 2000 years ago.
One the strongest example, especially in terms of finance, is found in Exodus: Chapter 22, Verse 25:
“If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not be like a
moneylender; charge him no interest.”
Interesting thought, to say the least, that already in this time we have the concept of financial
assistance, loans ( moneylending, as it were), and the process of repayment. Fast-forward into the
modern day business practice; is it logical to grant loans on such an interest-free basis?
It is with a heavy heart that we realize that there are those in world, and America, with greater
needs than our own. How then, when our business thrives on money, can we be expected to give away
our livelihood without a chance for reimbursement and financial gain? This verse speaks to me on a
personal level, rather than as a business application. There will come a time in our lives where a
colleague will need assistance (not limited to finances), and at that time, we will have a duty to help in
whatever way possible, without the expectation of return.
A second verse also highlights possible business practices. Romans: Chapter13, Verse 7:
“Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue:
if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”
This particular verse speaks directly to the perception of a modern day business man. It is safe
to assume that the view, from outside looking in, is that the only goal of business is to make
profit, and the business should do whatever it takes to make such profit. Ergo, as a consumer
population, we feel like business people do not care about anything but their bottom line.
Whether it appears in shady business practices, improper working conditions, or low wages the
consumer population is constantly bombarded with examples from companies around the globe
that would support this perception. Growing a faith based business starts with the ideas
presented in Romans; do not skirt your obligations, especially for the sake of your own benefit.
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Those of us in leadership positions have a responsibility to act positively and selflessly. Growing
faith in the business world doesn’t mean a Bible at every desk and mandatory chapel every
week; rather, it means choosing to lead by example, choosing to respect the working
environment, choosing to respect the employees, and making a conscious decision to pay
attention to your own actions.
BusinessWeek Review: Taking B-School on Faith by Francesca Di Meglio
One way to determine the role of faith in business lies in the educational system (Di Meglio,
2007). The well researched article discusses several marquee business school programs across the
country that also belong to religiously affiliated universities, such as the Mendoza College of Business at
Notre Dame and the Marriott School of Management at BYU. It [the article] also discusses the concept
of ethics; from the development of classroom education on the topic to the current need for such an
education. According to Di Meglio, ethics, or, “doing the right thing – and discussing it – is considered an
ingrained part of the culture” found within the religious institution. Hypothetically speaking, the culture
in these programs has made an impact on the business community. A simple cause and effect: growth in
popularity and success of religiously affiliated programs leads to a stronger and more adept work force,
which translates to more successful religious based businesses. One of the best points I found in the
article is when Di Meglio proposes the idea that “business and religion do not have to be mutually
exclusive”, but instead, a well-rounded belief goes a long way to helping a person apply himself (Di
Meglio, 2007). By no means should religion be taught at every institution. In fact, religious teachings
normally stay out of the business classroom according to the author; but a comprehension of faith,
ethics, and an understanding of such ideas promotes not only a better education, but a better business
environment.
Drawing From My Own Faith
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As a Christian college student attending a religiously affiliated school, I consider myself
privileged to have gone through the experiences I have. I also pride myself with having experience in
businesses that base themselves in the ideas formulated above. I have yet to be in the circumstance of
interacting with what we will call a ‘faith-less’ business. I have no doubt faith belongs in the business
setting, but more importantly, it is our duty as faith-based people to instill faith-based practices in
already established companies. Radical change will neither be accepted nor occur, but small changes
have the ability to start a domino effect throughout the rest of the company.
We see companies, producing everything from shoes to coffee, following a faith based business
model. They include safe conditions, proper pay, and the desire to satisfy needs throughout the world. It
is my assertion that this will become the business model taught throughout the country in faith, and
non-faith, affiliated schools. If not for any other reason but for the rise in social awareness, business
practices are on the track of improvement, and it is our role as faith-based educators and students to
continue the trend.
The role of faith in business is apparent whether your source is the Bible, or the faith-based
institutions scattered across the country. It is our duty to instill faith-based actions in our business, if it
is missing, and to continue the faith-based practices if they are in place. Perhaps the first step in
improving the role of faith in business is to eliminate the idea that faith and business are on a
continuum. Instead, faith and business must be entwined in such a manner that our business practices
reflect our faith, and our faith reflects our business practices. It should never be a question of when and
why, only a question of how. We should act with faith in our hearts and minds, not only for the sake of
our business, but for the sake of improving our lives as Christians, improving the lives of individuals in
the community around us, and one day, improving the lives of people around the world.
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References:
Di Meglio, F. (2007, July 09). Taking b-school on faith. BusinessWeek, Retrieved from
http://www.businessweek.com/bschools/content/jul2007/bs2007079_978582.htm
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