Perhaps, one of the most influencing set of principles in Christianity, Judaism and Islam is the Ten Commandments (TCs). They are often recited by ordinary and élite people of these three major faiths. In fact, in some quarters among Christians, Jews and Muslims, the TCs are taken for granted and their influence is reflected in the behavior and attitudes of the believers. The widespread use of the TCs and their popularity can be attributed to their practical application to day-to-day relationships and to their regular use and reference in religious ceremonies. Aside from the tendency for their use to regulate relations between men and their fellow man and God, the TCs have had a profound impact on work and on the organizational workplace. This paper is designed to review the TCs in Christian, Jewish and Islamic faiths. In particular, the paper provides implications regarding the use of TCs in work and business organizations. Work ethics and the Ten CommandmentsOne of the most interesting aspects of the work ethic as viewed by Christianity, Judaism and Islam is its dynamic and practical evolution over the years. To some extent this evolution has rendered traditional concepts and attributes obsolete. This dynamic evolution accentuates the need for renewal and revitalization of behavioral and intellectual interpretations and applications for contemporary societies. For example, an earlier Jewish belief viewed work as sinful activity, "if man does not find his food like animals and birds but must earn it, that is due to sin" (Lipset, 1990, p. 62). Likewise, traditionally, Christianity viewed man as having a primordial guilt and holds that engagement in economic activities is inferior to religious duties. Later, however, both Christians and Jews shifted their attitude towards work; perhaps this shift in orientation paved the way for capital accumulation and the question of improving one's economic welfare (Ali, 1993). The opposite was true for Islam. In the early days of Islam and during the golden age of the Islamic civilization
The current debate on ''free agency'' seems to highlight the romantic aspects of free agent and considers it a genuine response to changing economic conditions (e.g., high-unemployment rate, importance of knowledge in the labor market, the eclipse of organizational loyalty, and self pride). Little attention, if any, has been given to the religious root of the free agency concept and its persistent existence across history. In this paper, the current discourse on free agency and the conditions that have led to its emergence are briefly discussed. The paper focuses on the theological perspectives of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam on the concept. Implications for management and business organizations are provided.
If you would like to write for this, or any other Emerald publication, then please use our Emerald for Authors service information about how to choose which publication to write for and submission guidelines are available for all. Please visit www.emeraldinsight.com/authors for more information. About Emerald www.emeraldinsight.comEmerald is a global publisher linking research and practice to the benefit of society. The company manages a portfolio of more than 290 journals and over 2,350 books and book series volumes, as well as providing an extensive range of online products and additional customer resources and services.Emerald is both COUNTER 4 and TRANSFER compliant. The organization is a partner of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and also works with Portico and the LOCKSS initiative for digital archive preservation.Pennar (1999) asserts that in the 21st century nothing will likely weaken the tidal pull that religion holds for most humans. Similarly, Simpson (1991) argues that religion is a major ingredient that must be taken into account in order to understand the evolution of the contemporary global situation. He indicates that the oneness of the world is embedded in the story frameworks of religions. Simultaneously, these religions reflect the thematic disunity of the world. In the era of globalisation information technology eases and economises communications, thereby making information available to a wide range of the population in almost every corner of the world. In a connective and interdependent world, therefore, religious principles may be transmitted and conveyed to adherents consistently and effectively. In addition, published materials related to spirituality in life and the workplace have flourished in recent years. In the United States, for example, publication of religious and spiritual books has increased dramatically. Publishers, in fact, have termed the 1990s "the decade of soul" (Rosin, 2000).Spirituality and soul searching are not new phenomena. Over centuries, many groups within and across cultures had experienced religious awakening. The current search for spirituality is different, however, from past religious revivals. It is intense and personal, and spread across civilization, geography, and ethnicity. The current religious revival, therefore, is becoming a global event and is mostly family centred rather than organised religious movement. This trend highlights the centrality of the individual and the family in the revival and continuity of faith. It also focuses attention on general principles that give direction and meaning to life. One of the most influential and guiding principles is the Ten Commandments (TCs). Christians, Jews, and Muslims each have their respective commandments. These commandments have influence on the outlook and behaviour of
The subject of Jihad has been a fiercly debated topic in the past few decades. Contradictory translations have been adopted by differing religious groups and political camps. In some quarters Jihad has been associated with violence and war. Other quarters perceive the Jihad to mean a striving within oneself and the struggle for self‐improvement. In this paper, the historical and contemporary perspectives of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam regarding Jihad are outlined. The evolution of the meaning of Jihad in each religion is clarified and similarities and dissimilarities among the three religions are highlighted. Various forms of Jihad are presented. The paper, however, argues that true Jihad means an active participation in social improvement and economic development. In addition, the paper provides implications of Jihad for business and organizations.
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