Chapter 7: Examining Faith and Work Integration Within Small, Entrepreneurial, Family-Owned and Faith-Based Businesses

Literature indicates employees’ work behaviors are influenced by faith-related values acquired through formal religion (Benefiel et al., 2014; Kutcher et al, 2010; Saleem, 2019). In addition, it has been demonstrated that religious employees are interested in integrating their faith in the workplace and appreciate organizations that allow them do so (Buszka & Ewest, 2020; Weaver & Stansbury, 2014). It has been long recognized that organizational level factors such as mission, culture and policies influence employee behavior (Ingersoll et al., 2005; Somers, 2001; Tsai, 2011; Wright, 2007), including the likelihood of employees demonstrating faith-congruent attitudes and behaviors in the workplace (Weaver & Stansbury, 2014). Yet, most research on topics related to FWI has focused on individual level factors (Lynn et al., 2010). Since it has been established that both the individual and the work organization have an interactive and transformative effect on each other (Giddens, 1984; M. Weber, 1976), it is important that organizational influences be considered when studying the topic of faith and work integration (FWI). Therefore, this chapter examines how small, entrepreneurial, family owned, and faith-based businesses may more naturally facilitate certain types of FWI due to unique aspects of their leadership, mission, cultures and policies.