God on management: The world’s largest religions, the “theological turn,” and organization and management theory and practice

• Published in: Religion and Organization Theory Vol. 41; pp. 23 - 62
• Main Author: Dyck, Bruno
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Emerald Group Publishing Limited 16.04.2014
• Subjects: Corporate Culture; HR & Organizational Behaviour; Religion and management; spiritual practices and mindfulness; the theological turn and management; spirituality and management; world religions; Max Weber and the Protestant ethic
• ISBN: 1781906920; 9781781906927
• ISSN: 0733-558X
• DOI: 10.1108/S0733-558X20140000041010

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.