~Posted
by Ben
As assigned reading for school, I have been reading
“Business by the Book” by the late Christian economist, Larry Burkett. Since
Business is one of my main career interests (politics being the other) I was
really looking forward to reading this book! It was published in 1990, right on
the heels of a time in business known as “the greedy eighties.” This term used
in business circles describes a time of economic prosperity following Ronald
Reagan’s tax cuts on the wealthy in the early 80’s. These tax cuts caused a
resurgence in small business investment that sparked an unprecedented interest
in entrepreneurism and “climbing the corporate ladder.” This effect was the
backbone of the “Reagan recovery” from stagflation.
Such changes had both positive and negative consequences on
American culture, especially the culture of American Business. Although the 80’s
were a time of great economic growth, blue collar cities like Detroit and Flint
experienced a grave economic downturn due to disinvestment and
deindustrialization. Sadly, many businesses came to the harmful conclusion, “profits over people.”
It was at the pinnacle of this time period that Burkett
wrote “Business by the Book.” In it, he presents the “radical” idea that it is
entirely possible to conduct Business in such a way that is profitable,
productive, and Biblical. He cites
the reconstruction of Japan after World War II as his prime example. When
General Douglas was appointed by President Truman as the military governor of
Japan, he instituted laws for business largely based off Biblical truths. This,
combined with the Japanese inherit respect for authority, as well as their
strong unity and national pride, propelled them beyond their teacher to become
one of the largest economies in the modern world. Burkett also gives a variety
of positive examples of Christian businesses in the US that have based their
business plan off of the scriptures and have experienced great profit for it.
In this book, Burkett deals with a lot of required decisions
in modern business, including decisions on hiring, firing, borrowing, lending, management
selection, employee pay, discounting, and many others. He also, using
scripture, provides answers to many questions common among Christian
businesses; questions such as, “Should I hire women to be in management over
men?” “Should Christian businesses hire non-Christians?” “Is it acceptable for
Christian businesses to borrow money?” “Can Christians sue people and/or other
businesses for money?” “What do I do about an insubordinate employee?” When
addressing all these questions, Burkett constantly goes back to scripture when
giving his final answer on the subject.
Excellent post, Ben. I worked in the business sector in the 80's, and I well remember the climate of profits at any cost...even personal and spiritual. So many businesses and individuals would have benefited from reading and applying Burkett's Biblical principles. Glad that you have a heads-up on this before you enter the business world!
ReplyDelete~ Mom
Ben,I'm so glad to see you interested in the business world applying christian principles above all. I f you notice in the old testament of the bible,especially the books of psalms and "proverbs",God vehemently emphasize the application of "just Weights" in treating the costumer. In other words "full" and honest pound.I can relate to the 80S having
ReplyDeletelived thru it,and do remember how many dishonest businesses went under for greedy and dishonest practices. Had they known and read Burkett's book and practice its content,they would have perhaps survived the era.
Once again ,Congratulations on your desire to know the Business world and above all in the way that the men from the "old" days usued to do it...in christians principles,men like sam walton,ben franklyn,thomas edison,etc.
Ben, keep up the good work
-papo
Thanks for the comment, mom! I've enjoyed the talks we've had about your life and career!
ReplyDelete-Benjamin
Thanks for your comment, Bio! I'm glad you enjoyed the post.
ReplyDelete-Benjamin