NOTRE DAME OF JARO INC.

Msgr. Lino Gonzaga St. Jaro, Leyte

notredame.jaro@yahoo.com.ph
QUARTER 3 – BUSINESS ETHICS & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES 12
WEEK 5
NAME&YR/SECTION:
_________________________________DATE:___________

The Impact of Belief Systems

OBJECTIVE:
 Give examples of how belief systems affect business
practices.

There is an extensive literature in every major faith – Christianity, Islam

and Judaism- on the values, legal codes of conduct on the managing of
business, the workplace and the accumulation and use of wealth. For
example,
in Islam the basis of these codes and laws is the holy scripture, The Quran,
whose teachings are exemplified in the sayings and life of the Prophet
Mohammed (The Hadith). The same is true for each of other scripture-based
faiths. In Christianity, the basis is The Old Testament and The New Testament.
For Judaism, the sources are The Torah or The Tanakh and The Talmud and
The Midrash.

ACTIVITY 1:
List at least three of the values we have in our culture in terms of serving our costumer?

DISCUS
SION
BRIBERY
“Bribery is the practice of offering a professional money or other favors in order to circumvent ethics in a
variety of professions. It is a form of corruption and is generally illegal, or at least cause for penalties from
professional organizations.”

The Jewish Perspective

According to the Jewish perspective, bribery makes sinners. Bribery also corrupts conscience. Bribery
pervert’s justice.

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The Christian perspective
Being based upon the foundation of the Jewish Old Testament, includes all of the above citations. In
addition, the following citations are added from the Christian New Testament: Simon the Sorcerer tried to
buy the power that he perceived in the laying on of hands by the Apostles and Simon Peter chastised him
in Acts 8:17-22.

The Islamic Perspective

According to the Islamic perspective, bribery is considered to be a form of corruption and is strongly
discouraged. The onus is not only on the bureaucrat for demanding or accepting the bribe, but also on the
corporation or business that offers the bribe.

FRAUD AND CHEATING

Markets can only function properly and efficiently if there is minimal fraudulent behavior.

The Jewish Perspective

Leviticus 19:11
11 Ye shall not steal; neither shall ye deal falsely, nor lie one to another.
Cheating (defrauding by deceitful means) The needy, Amos 8:4-8

The Christian Perspective

The New Testament warns against deceit on the part of Christians and cautions wariness of deceivers.

The Islamic Perspective

According to Islamic writings, a great deal of emphasis is placed on honest dealings. The government or
authority is charged with ensuring that traders don’t defraud their customers in weights etc. The Quran is
strict in making the point that traders and businesses who indulge in fraud are committing a sin in the eye
of God.

DISCRIMINATION
Discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender etc. is generally considered abhorrent in the
teachings of all faiths.

The Jewish Perspective

Strangers – foreigners living among the Jews

The Christian Perspective

All people are considered important and are to be treated fairly. The foundation for the Christian
perspective is firmly set in the Old Testament in Numbers 12:1-10. God, Himself, spoke to this principle to
Moses, Aaron and Miriam.

The Islamic Perspective

The Islamic scriptures on discrimination are clear. All forms of discrimination are considered unjust and
opposed in private business and public domain.

CORRUPTION
Like bribery other forms of corruption are considered immoral in religious scriptures. This extends to
nepotism, abuse of power, personal gain or enrichment using one’s position, and other abuses of power or
position.

The Jewish Perspective

Depravity, Genesis 6:5

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Moral decay, Genesis 6:11-13
5 And the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the
thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
The Christian Perspective
Peter, the chief of the Apostles, cautions against corruption and the effects it has upon the body in 2 Peter
2:12-19.

INJUSTICE
That which violates another’s rights
From a reading of the revealed scriptures, it is clear that these have a universal goal – to create a
just society. A strict interpretation of most scriptures is a healthy antidote to those who have reservations
regarding the moral teachings of the major monotheistic faiths. The teachings are remarkably consistent
that injustice in either the private or the public domain is to be resisted and eliminated.

The Jewish Perspective

Parental instruction, Genesis 18:17-19
17 And the LORD said: 'Shall I hide from Abraham that which I am doing; 18 seeing that Abraham shall
surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?
19 For I have known him, to the end that he may command his children and his household after him, that
they may keep the way of the LORD, to do righteousness and justice; to the end that the LORD may bring
upon Abraham that which He hath spoken of him.

The Christian Perspective

The New Testament tells how Jesus spoke out against iniquity and injustice. One instance when He
addressed the Scribes and Pharisees is in Matthew 23:27-29.

The Islamic Perspective

According to the Islamic teachings, injustice and oppression are to be abhorred.

RIGHTS OF EMPLOYEES, CUSTOMERS AND STAKEHOLDERS

The Jewish Perspective

Prompt payment, Leviticus 19:13
13 Thou shalt not oppress thy neighbor, nor rob him; the wages of a hired servant shall not abide with thee
all night until the morning.

The Christian Perspective

There are extensive ethical and moral imperatives pertaining to the rights of employees, customers and
stakeholders. For the Christian business man or woman, the order of prioritization would be stakeholder,
employee, and then customer because the stakeholder provides the operating capital to initiate
operations, the employee provides the labor for the conversion process, and the customer decides
whether or not to purchase from the company, usually from a completed product.

The Islamic Perspective

Islamic teachings emphasize the importance of honoring rights of individuals and groups. “…man can
have nothing but what he strives for…” (Quran: 53:39) “God does command you to render back your
trusts to those to whom they are due…” (Quran 4:58)

SIGNIFICANT VALUES IN BUSINESS

The Christian Perspective

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2005 Proceedings of the Midwest Business Economics Association 160 The Christian perspective supports
government as a legitimate institution instituted by God for the welfare of mankind. Part of the right and
obligation of government is to tax citizens and businesses in support of the general welfare. Payment of
proper taxes is supported by Matthew 22:17-21

The Islamic Perspective

Do not waste…….
Be charitable……
Work ethics…….

EVALU
ATION:
List at least 5 of the situations where this belief system can be seen then explain the effect of it.

For some questions and inquiries, you can contact me at the following:

Email Address: terradobsed@gmail.com

Facebook Account Name: Via Terrado Cañeda

PREPARED BY:
___________________________________
Name & Signature of Student
MRS. VIA T. CAÑEDA
TEACHER
___________________________________

Name & Signature of

Parent/Guardian

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