Large French companies facing religious issues. Proposition of a grid to decrypt their postures

Abstract

Large French companies are attempting to tackle the complexity of religious diversity in a rational way by providing their managers with tools on which to base their responses. The aim of this article is to interpret the contents of this particular type of tool – guides for the management of religion – as revealing the different attitudes of these companies towards religious manifestations. First, we use a literature review to develop up an analytical grid to divide these attitudes into categories – refusal, acceptance and compromise – and different levels of analysis – individual, organisational and societal. Secondly, we analyse all the management guides produced by companies and non-profit organisations in France in the light of this grid, using a qualitative research method based on three types of empirical data: qualitative interviews, participatory observation at the French Association for Diversity Management (AFMD) and a thematic analysis of the religious guides collected. This article describes the attitudes of major French companies producing the same type of tool (guides) and facing the same types of religious claims. It also raises related issues, and in particular the role of HR managers in relation to these guides and their use.