Towards an ethical and responsible business!

1. Towards an ethical and responsible business! Based on the Baha’i principles Legha Momtazian September 2013 PhD researcher University of Sheffield

2. Objectives: • To explore the impact of religious beliefs on business, historical review • To explore how Baha’i principles are similar and different with Islam, Christianity and Judaism • To investigate the spirit of service in business context • To study how consultation has been referred to and practiced in business

3. The impact of religious beliefs on business • Weberian (Protestant) perspective • Marx and Engels • The recent (empirical) studies of the effect of religion on business and workplace show a variety of impacts on motives, attitudes and behaviour including on business ethics and creating values in the workplace

4. Weberian(Protestant) perspective Work as a means of grace from God (a “calling”) Motivation to work Formation of enterprise Capitalism

5. Marx and Engels perspective Religion Religion, an illusionary source of happiness The tool to bring obedience for masters Business

6. The impact of religious beliefs on business • Weberian (Protestant) perspective • Marx and Engels • The recent (empirical) studies of the effect of religion on business and workplace show a variety of impacts on motives, attitudes and behaviour including on business ethics and creating values in the workplace

7. In Baha’i principles: “Work done in the spirit of service is the highest form of worship.”

8. The Baha'i faith in relation to Islam, Christianity and Judaism • Noble and sacred Human Beings (in Baha’i principles, man regarded as a mine “rich in gems of inestimable value”) • Notion of doing the right thing and Legitimate Earning (the noble man, has been specialized with supreme bestowals to “to make him the manifestation of divine virtues, a radiant light in the world of creation, a source of life and the agency of constructiveness in the infinite fields of existence.” ) • Love of God (In Baha’i principles it is referred to as Application of the Science of Love of God inbusiness. It is also mentioned: “Observe My commandments, for the love of My beauty”)

9. The Baha'i faith in relation to  Islam, Christianity and Judaism • Justice and Fairness through Golden Rule (equality and brotherhood contributing to preservation of he rights of mankind --> prefer others to oneself and sacrifice ones life and property for others) • Honesty and Trustworthiness • Sharing (“ready willingness to share” in Baha’i principles) • Stewardship and Concern for Poor (Poor as the trust of God among riches) • Care for Animals and the Environment

10. Uniquely discussed in Baha’i principles: • Spirit of service (work as worship, if “done in the spirit of service”) • Cease to War Expenditure (the enormous resources wasted on war to be utilised towards betterment of human life. • Consultation (people of a village, members of a profession or in industry and commerce are advised to refer to consultation in order to find the right solution but with its essential characteristics)

11. Service in literature • Corporate social responsibility • Social entrepreneurship as a business model • Leadership vs. management • Power structures and organizational structures in comparison with consultation based structure • Employee involvement and responsibility

12. Spirit of service in Business:

13. Employee involvement and responsibility • Decide: Group members play their role as the sources of information but the leader makes the decision without explaining his/her rationale to the group. • Consult (individual): The leader asks each group member’s opinion separately and decides based on individually obtained information. • Consult (group): Leader comes to a decision in consultation with the entire group at once. • Facilitate: The leader collaborates with a group towards a unified and consensual decision, without imposing any solution to the group. Thus the group makes the final decision. • Delegate: The leader passes the problem to the group and supports them while the group itself comes to a decision.

14. Can it work in?! Competition? Self-interest led consultations and no immediate intention for social good? Intolerance and disrespect?

15. Consultation in Baha’i principles “The shining spark of truth comes forth after the clash of differing opinions”

16. Objectives of consultation To bring forth: • The light of awareness and certitude • The shining spark of truth • Unity • Well being, tranquillity and felicity • Assurance and solutions to the problems

17. The prime requisites to consultation • Purity of motive, Radiance of spirit, Detachment, Attraction, Humility, Patience, Servitude • Utmost love, Harmony and Sincerity • Calmness and Composure • Utmost devotion, Courtesy, Dignity, Care and Moderation to express their views

18. Significance of unity “If they agree upon a subject, even though it be wrong, it is better than to disagree and be in the right, for this difference will produce the demolition of the divine foundation. Though one of the parties may be in the right and they disagree that will be the cause of a thousand wrongs”. (Abdu’l-Baha, 1976) “If they agree and both parties are in the wrong, as it is in unity, the truth will be revealed and the wrong made right.” (Abdu’l-Baha, 1976) And unity “will offset any deficiency, and will eventually lead to the righting of the wrong.” (Abdu’l-Baha, 1991)

19. Empirical research to be done Objectives: To explore the application of spirit of service in employee relations and related aspects, To explore consultation or other levels and methods employee involvement in decision-making Design: Case Study research Method: Multimethods with the focus on qualitative methods: interviews, questionnaire and observation

20. Summary and conclusion • An alternative way to view the business is that it exists to serve the society through its nature and activities! • This perspectives needs conscious responsibility of every one involved in a business, in their thoughts, decisions and action! • Inclusive Participatory Consultation in a frank and friendly environment may contribute to more responsible and service-oriented decisions. It could contribute to refining organization objectives, values and culture, etc.