Chapter 2 - Historical Perceptions of the Meaning of Work
Introduction
Meaning vs. Meaningfulness of Work
Historical Meanings of Work
Conclusion
Chapter 3 - The Meaning of Work
Introduction
Factors Influencing the of the Meaning of Work
Self as a Source of Meaning for Work
Others
Work Context
Conclusion
Chapter 4 – Christian Views of Work
Introduction
Special Revelation
Meet God the Worker
Scriptural References – A Sampling
Historical Themes of Protestant Faith and Work
VI. Conclusion
Chapter 5 – Definitions and Terminology
Introduction
Religion
Spirituality
Faith
Reconciling Religion, Spirituality and Faith
Conclusion
Chapter 6 – Benefits of Faith and Work Integration
Introduction
The Inter-relationship of Faith and Work Benefits
Individual Level Faith and Work Benefits
Organizational Level Faith-Work Benefits
Societal Faith-Work Benefits
Potential Problems Associated with Faith-Work Integration
Conclusion
Chapter 7 – The Need for Faith and Work Equipping and Training
Introduction
Evidence of Interest in Faith and Work Integration
The Need for Faith and Work Equipping and Training
Conclusion: The Charge of this Book
Chapter 8 - The Faith and Work Integration Spheres of Influence Model (FWSI)
Introduction to the FWSI Model
Using the FWSI Model
Conclusion
Chapter 9 – Individual Influences and Strategies
Introduction
Individual factors influencing FWI
Religiosity
Individual Strategies for FWI
Individual FWI Manifestation Strategies Related to the TIP
Conclusion
Chapter 10 - Occupational Influences and Strategies
Introduction
The TIP and Occupational Influences
Job, Career and Calling
Job Characteristics and FWI
Occupational Identification
Conclusion: The Need for Christian Career Guidance
Chapter 11 – Work Organization Influences and Strategies
Introduction
Organizational Purpose
Organizational Purpose and Form
Other Organizational Subcategories
Organizational Culture
Legal Protections
VI. Creating a Faith-friendly Organization
VII. Conclusion
Chapter 12 – Faith Organization Influences
Introduction
FWI and the Role of the Church
Parachurch Organizations
Conclusion
Chapter 13 - Conclusion
Sharlene G. Buszka is Associate Professor and Chair of Accounting and Business Administration at Daemen College, USA. Her research interests include: the integration of faith and work, work-life balance, ethics, and refugee workforce development.
Timothy Ewest is Associate Professor of Business and Director of the M.B.A. program at Houston Baptist University, USA. He is also a Visiting Scholar at the Institute for Faith, Work and Economics, Tysons, VA.
Though the majority of Americans claim faith in God and adults spend the majority of their time working, these two important dimensions of life are rarely effectively integrated. It is important for people of every faith tradition to consider how, when and if their faith and work are to be integrated. This is especially true as research shows that the integration of faith and spirituality in the workplace results in numerous benefits for individuals, organizations, and society - if done respectfully.
This book presents core research insights concerning integration influences and strategies for Christians who seek to integrate their faith and their work. Specifically, it discusses how individual, occupational, and organizational factors influence faith-work integration, and suggests diverse ways to integrate the Christian faith at work. The Faith and Work Integration Spheres of Influence Model is presented as a tool to guide individuals in better understanding how to develop their own personal plan for faith-work integration within the context of limiting or enabling occupational and organizational factors. It also suggests areas for further research on this topic. Readers will learn how Christian faith-work integration can be maximized based on individual attributes, occupational characteristics, and organizational factors.