God on management: The world’s largest religions, the “theological turn,” and organization and management theory and practice
Religion and Organization Theory
ISBN: 978-1-78190-692-7, eISBN: 978-1-78190-693-4
Publication date: 16 April 2014
Abstract
This article reviews research published in secular management journals that examines what the world’s largest religions (Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, and Islam) say about management. In terms of how religion informs management, the literature identifies two basic means: (1) written scriptures (e.g., Analects, Bible, Quran) and (2) experiential spiritual practices (e.g., prayer, mindfulness). In terms of what religion says about management, the emphasis tends to be either on (1) enhancing, or (2) liberating mainstream management. Studies based on scriptures typically either enhance or liberate management, whereas empirical research based on spiritual disciplines consistently point to liberation. Implications are discussed.
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Acknowledgements
Acknowledgment
This article benefitted from the Research Assistance of Matthew Penner, and from the encouragement and comments of Sarah Drakopoulou Dodd, Reg Litz, Kent Miller, Nelson Phillips, Fred Starke, Paul Tracey, Elden Wiebe, and an anonymous reviewer.
Citation
Dyck, B. (2014), "God on management: The world’s largest religions, the “theological turn,” and organization and management theory and practice", Religion and Organization Theory (Research in the Sociology of Organizations, Vol. 41), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 23-62. https://doi.org/10.1108/S0733-558X20140000041010
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2014 by Emerald Group Publishing Limited