Publication: SAM Advanced Management Journal
Publication Date: 22-SEP-04
Format: Online - approximately 6172 words
Delivery: Immediate Online Access
Author: Morgan, James F.
Article Excerpt
Introduction
The United States is one of the most religious nations in the world, with surveys consistently finding that more than 90% of its citizens believe in God. Moreover, a new study reveals that the country stands alone among wealthy nations with almost six-in-ten of Americans reporting that religion plays a very important role in their lives (Pew Research Center, 2002). Despite the prevalence and importance of religious beliefs to the people of the U.S., employers and employees alike traditionally regard the workplace as off-limits to any demonstration of faith. Today, however, the wall separating religion and business is crumbling. The workplace is increasingly being transformed into an environment where expressions of religious beliefs and practices are commonplace.
Not surprisingly, this religious renaissance generates considerable tensions and conflicts at work. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), for instance, reports that the number of religious discrimination complaints, including harassment, almost doubled from 1992 to 2002 (EEOC, 2003(a)). Filings for sex-based discrimination during the same period increased only slightly (EEOC, 2003(b)). Moreover, to the growing dismay of management, the mixing of religion and business can cause unexpected and truly vexing issues. For example, consider the following scenario:
Linda, the new division manager, sponsors a luncheon to recognize the division's members for successfully meeting strategic objectives for the month. Meats, cheeses, breads, fruit, and a cake are chosen for the event. The celebratory mood of the event quickly dissipates as various employees within the twenty-member Internet sales division react to the setting. Paul, an evangelical Christian, first asks those assembled if he can offer grace to the group before they begin to eat. Sam, a devout Jew, informs Linda that he cannot partake because the mixing of meat and cheese is not kosher. Abu, a Muslim, shakes his head in disgust and leaves the gathering after informing Linda that the luncheon conflicts with his daily prayer time. Melinda, a strict Vegan, refuses to eat and tells her co-workers that it is immoral to kill or exploit animals.
The greater willingness of employees to assert their religious convictions at work and the increasing diversity of religious views are two of the principal factors contributing to the complexity of this issue for business leaders.
To make matters more challenging, the existing legal framework for responding to the growing presence of religion in the workplace is vague at best. Attempts to apply more well-developed principles of racial discrimination or sexual harassment law often fail because of unique characteristics associated with religion. Adding to the problem, employers are required by federal and state law to accommodate the religious practices of employees. Employers and employees alike frequently find themselves in a confusing haze when faced with legal issues concerning religion in the workplace.
This article first suggests primary reasons for the recent incursion of religion into the workplace. Next, two complicating factors are discussed. The third section explores the extant legal environment, specifically religious discrimination, accommodation, and harassment. In the final section, the article proposes measures that businesses should consider to help them navigate the dangerous legal waters associated with the rise of religious practices in the workplace.
Why is Religion Becoming More Prevalent in the Workplace?
The increasing presence of religion in the U.S. work environment has two roots. First, for many people, the role of work in their lives is expanding. Elmes and Smith conclude that because many employees "spend more time and emotional energy in the workplace than at any other place or in any other segment of their lives ... the workplace has become a substitute for family and friends as a source of emotional connectivity and meaning" (2001, p. 45). Unfortunately, the standard work environment is not an able surrogate. The increasing demands of work experienced by employees during the past decade have caused many to articulate a greater emptiness in their lives. It is not surprising, therefore, that workers are searching for a deeper meaning for life and that the search is occurring within the walls of the plant or office (Cash and Gray, 2000).
Another psychological facet explains why the barrier between religion and work is disappearing: workers increasingly perceive that greed is a dominant trait of business leaders in the U.S. With chief executive officer compensation now topping a 600-to-one ratio in relation to the average worker (Kochan, 2002, p. 139), employees are asking whether pleasant-sounding vision statements cast by corporate leaders mask an attempt at personal financial gluttony. Similarly, employees are questioning if more wealth is really necessary for themselves or others, given the prosperity enjoyed by so many in the U.S. Instead, workers increasingly believe that happiness is attained by living a "balanced" life, which means incorporating aspects of faith into a life previously focused on the accumulation of wealth.
Looking for meaning in life outside of material possessions is a common occurrence, especially where societies experience sudden and extreme prosperity. In fact, the Islamic religion grew from just such a situation. Armstrong (1994) relates that during the last years of the sixth century, tribes in and around Mecca experienced phenomenal economic growth, transformed within two generations from nomads scarcely able to survive to a community controlling one of the most important trading cities in the world. As a result, many individuals and families living in the area became wealthy. But the "rampant and ruthless capitalism" (p. 132) came with a price: the sacrifice of important tribal values, including supporting the less fortunate and furthering the interests of the community over the individual. Muhammad sensed people felt increasingly unsettled and lost as the "religion" of money became dominant. In response, Muhammad established Islam to combat individualism, egotism, and greed.
Complicating Factors
Changes in the demographic structure of the workforce and the...
NOTE: All illustrations and photos have been removed from this article.
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