Transition of Owner-Manager Faith into the Professional Environment

Abstract

I develop a model explaining the process of owner-managers transitioning their Christian faith into the professional environment. Based on 20 interviews with representatives from eleven Christian-led, owner-managed firms, I find that the belief in accountability towards God, the belief in fate, and the urge to apply a moral code of conduct serve as the basis for owner-manager purpose. I find that Christian owner-managers understand their purpose in serving God and, in the context of their professional environment, in bringing God closer to stakeholders. Furthermore, my study sheds light on how Christian owner-managers enact their faith on the individual and organizational level. Thus, the developed model offers an understanding about the transition of Christian faith of owner-managers into their professional environment.