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As it relates to the Christian business, this principle should encourage business owners to pay their employees a living wage. A living wage guarantees that an individual will be able to afford the basic necessities in life (i.e. food, clothing, shelter).
The living wage varies depending on the location but many jobs in America do not pay workers a living wage even when they have been working there for a substantial amount of time. As an aspect of business ethics, Christian business owners should evaluate the amount of pay that workers receive and make certain that it is a living wage. Paying workers at least a living wage allows them to have human dignity which is the underlying principle in Catholic social teaching.
This teaching also encourages the right to unionize, to own private property, and economic initiative (Themes of Catholic Social Teaching). This means that Christian businesses should provide workers with information as it relates to unions. Business owners should also encourage workers to purchase homes as opposed to renting. This could be accomplished through workshops related to the process of purchasing a house including credit ratings, and obtaining a mortgage.
The principles of social teaching also present the idea of solidarity. This principle has to do with the fact that we are all human-beings regardless of race, class, ethnicity, handicap or religion (Themes of Catholic Social Teaching). As it pertains to Christian business ethic, this principle confirms that neither employees nor customers should be discriminated against for any reason. In addition, business owners should attempt to prevent employees form discriminating against one another.
Finally the principle of Care for God's creation is also related to business ethics. Caring for creation is particularly important in this day and age as the threat of global warning and the problems caused by pollution are an ever increasing threat. As a result of these issues, businesses should implement every measure possible to protect the environment. This means there should be careful attention paid to the disposal of waste, harmful emissions, biodegradable packaging and the conservation of
For many years Christians and Christian organizations have refuted the assertion the global warming even existed, but today there is irrefutable evidence that global warming exists and the consequences are now being felt. With these things being understood Christian businesses must act in a manner that is responsible as it relates to how the operation of the business impacts the environment.
Discussion and Conclusion
The purpose of this discussion was to evaluate the claim that theology, spirituality, and/or religious beliefs play a role in the business world. The discussion indicates that theology, spirituality, and/or religious beliefs do indeed play a role in the business world. The discussion indicates that theology, spirituality, and religious beliefs play an important role in the development and implementation of business practices that are ethical and moral. It seems that religious beliefs and business ethics are seamless issues.
It is apparent that individuals that claim to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ will incorporate the teachings of Christ into the workplace and the manner in which employees and customers are treated. The implementation of these teachings would be reflected in the paying of a living wage, the equal treatment of all employees and customers, the encouraging of community service and education, and being responsible as it relates to the environment. The research indicates that the underlying goal of business owners should be to preserve human dignity as it relates to every aspect of the business.
References
Themes of Catholic Social Teaching. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved April 4, from; http://www.usccb.org/sdwp/projects/socialteaching/excerpt.htm
Vickers Mark R. (2005) Business Ethics and the HR Role: Past, Present, and Future. Human Resource Planning. Volume: 28 (1), p.26.
