Beliefs, Systems and Christianity

Beliefs

• Acceptance that something exists or is true, without proof.

Belief Systems

• A structured set of principles that shape perspectives, influencing corporate ethics, leadership styles, workplace culture, and consumer behaviors.
• Understanding this concept is crucial for those in multicultural environments, as it impacts decision-making, marketing, HR, and customer relations.
• Belief systems manifest in business through religious doctrines, philosophical viewpoints, and cultural traditions.

Christianity

• One of the world's largest and most influential religions with over 2.3 billion adherents worldwide.
• It is a monotheistic faith centered on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
• Based on the Bible, containing the Old and New Testaments, it includes the belief in the Trinity, salvation through Jesus, and the promise of eternal life.
• Historically, it has shaped culture, ethics, and social values, influencing art, philosophy, law, and governance.
• It emphasizes love, compassion, forgiveness, and service, adapting to different cultural contexts while maintaining its core teachings.

Islam

• A monotheistic religion originating in the 7th century CE in the Arabian Peninsula with over 1.9 billion followers, known as Muslims.
• Based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, it considers him the final messenger of God (Allah).
• The foundational texts are the Qur'an and the Hadith, summarizing core beliefs in the Five Pillars:
  • Shahada (Faith)= "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger."
  • Salat (Prayer) = performing five daily prayers facing Mecca.
  • Zakat (Charity) = giving a portion of wealth to the needy
  • Sawm (Fasting)= observing fasting during Ramadan
  • Hajj (Pilgrimage)= pilgrimage to Mecca once in a lifetime if able.
• There are two main sects: Sunni (majority) and Shia (minority)
• In emphasizes submission to God, justice, compassion, and ethical living.

Buddhism

• A spiritual tradition and philosophy founded in India in the 5th-4th century BCE.
• Follows a non-theistic religion focused on enlightenment (nirvana) through wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline.
• Central belief in the Four Noble Truths:
  • Dukkha = suffering as inherent
  • Samudaya = the cause of suffering is craving
  • Nirodha = suffering can end by eliminating desire
  • Magga = path to ending suffering is the Eightfold Path with thought, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.
• Divided into Theravāda, Mahayana, and Vajrayana.

Hinduism

• The world's oldest known religion, with origins dating back over 4,000 years in the Indian subcontinent.
• Does not have a founder, but is a complex system of beliefs, practices, and traditions evolved over millennia.
• Has over 1.2 billion followers.
• Unified by core beliefs:
  • Dharma = the ethical and moral duties
  • Karma = the law of cause and effect
  • Samsara = the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (reincarnation)
  • Moksha = liberation from the cycle of rebirth
• Hindu worships various deities including Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Durga but teaches that all gods are manifestations of Brahman.
• Key Hindu texts include the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Judaism

• It is one of the oldest monotheistic religions with origins to the covenant between God and Abraham.
• There are approximately 15 million Jews globally.
• It is the foundation of both Christianity and Islam.
• Key is the Tanakh, the Torah and the Talmud.
• Centered on the belief in one God (Yahweh), it adheres to religious laws and traditions:
  • Observance of commandments (Mitzvot) with ethical and religious duties
  • Sabbath (Shabbat) a weekly day of rest and worship
  • Religious festivals such as Passover, Yom Kippur, Hanukkah, and Rosh Hashanah.
  • Encourages social justice and good deeds by the concept of Tikkun Olam.
• Several denominations include Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and Reconstructionist Judaism
• Throughout history has shaped ethics, philosophy, law, and literature while Jewish communities have played a significant role in science, business, politics, and culture worldwide.

Impact of Belief Systems on Business

• Religions often emphasize honesty, integrity, fairness, and accountability.
• Many emphasize servant leadership, humility, and accountability in leadership styles.
• Corporate social responsibility emphasizes charity, social justice, and ethical responsibility.
• Religious beliefs can influence finance management, investments, and economic policies, and may prohibit exploitative financial practices.
• It encourage fair treatment of employees, policies, and work-life balance
• Christianity promotes ethical dealings through honesty, fairness, and respect, prioritizing transparency, while discouraging hoarding or exploitation.
• Islam emphasizes justice and fairness and discourages fraud or unethical practices.
• Buddhism advocates ethical commerce through the principle of Right Livelihood, with mindfulness, compassion, and sustainability.
• Hinduism supports ethical commerce based on Dharma, with Karma Yoga promoting ethical business decisions while following Seva.
• Judaism stresses fairness and honesty in business by charitable giving, ethical responsibility, and community service while valuing Tzedakah.

Filipino Value System

• It is deeply rooted in cultural heritage and influences business practices, decision-making, work ethics, and management styles.
• Bahala Na, a belief in fate or destiny, leads to spontaneity and unplanned decisions.
• Utang na Loob is the sense of gratitude that strengthens partnerships while sometimes leads to favoritism.
• Ningas-Cogon, is the tendency to start projects which may affect long-term sustainability and business plans.
• Padrino System uses relationships for business through connections and opportunities.
• Amor Propio (Self-Respect or Love or Pride) makes receiving constructive criticism difficult, in order to maintain reputiations.
• Mañana Habit results in rushed work and missed deadlines.
• Delicadeza in a moral code of ethics protects corruption and unethical behavior while promoting honesty.
• Hiya can prevent assertiveness in negotiations by professional behaviors.
• Pakikisama/ Pakikipagkapwa-Tao has teamwork
• Family Orientation prioritizes family interests, with family members working together in businesses.
• The Suki System encourages repeat business and fosters long-term relationships.
• Bayanihan teamwork emphasizes collective problem-solving
• Palabra de Honor builds credibility in business relationships.
• Lakas ng Loob helps entrepreneurs take calculated risks.
• Pakikipagsapalaran can also lead to economic growth by exploration.
• Frugality helps save resources, and is cost efficient
• Filial Piety allows businesses to maintain hierarchy
• Resilience encourage perseverance.