Integrating Religious Principles and Human Resource Management Activities

Abstract

Many ethical problems faced by organizations concern human resource management. This paper shows how some religious principles can be integrated into a human resource management course. First, it presents a discussion of employee responsibilities and rights in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Next, it suggests how various principles can be applied to human resource management activities. “Do to others as you would have them do to you” is applied to equal opportunity. “Thou shall not commit sexual impropriety” (or in positive terms, “respect and love”) is the basis for no sexual harassment. “Thou shall not steal” (or in positive terms, “deal fairly”) is related to fair pay in exchange for excellent employee performance. “Thou shall not lie” (or in positive terms, “be truthful”) is needed for due process in employee disputes. “Thou shall not kill” (or in positive terms, “respect life”) is applied to employee safety and health, plus health care benefits. A list of potential readings is included for instructors to consider for their own courses.