Chapter 2 Belief System

Belief System

 is an ideology or set of principles that helps interpret everyday reality

 this could be in form of religion, political affiliation, philosophy, or spirituality, among many other
things.
 these beliefs are formed and influenced by many different factors

Religious Belief System

 is usually controlled around a moral code, the belief of one or more deities, and the ability for
supernatural occurrences to affect inhabitants and the universe that they exist in.

Spiritual Belief System

 some prefer to believe in an eternal life and pursue a moral code of conduct but do not join with
a particular church or denomination.

Business Practices

Animism

 seeing a Thai house owner offering incense and food and drink to the spirit at least once a day is
ordinary
 prior to opening for business the owner will present his offerings to the resident spirit and kneel
before the offering while asking good favor of the spirit.
 Feng Shui
o an animist and an old age practice based upon cosmic and geographic dimensions is
widely practiced.
o its principles have a long track record of successful outcomes both one’ personal life and
in business.
Many Feng Shui Tools are used to assess business including but not limited to:
1. space allocation – proper use of space
2. layout – best arrangement of furniture
3. orientation – direction and location of a person within a space
4. décor – best color schemes and elements to implement
5. remedies – proper use and placement to balance the space harmoniously

Shinto

 largest religion in Japan, practiced by nearly 80% of the population

 New buildings made in Japan are normally blessed by a Shinto priest called kannushi during the
groundbreaking ceremony
 Many cars in Japan have been blessed as a part of the assembly process
  many Japanese businesses built outside Japan have had ceremonies performed by a Shinto priest,
with occasionally an annual visitation by the priest to purify.
 in the workplace, a Shinto priest is often called in to cleanse and blesse the new space before
work begins
 gift giving is an important both in and out of the workplace and is a good way to make sure
business deals stay friendly.
 according to Shinto tradition, the number four is unlucky and symbolizes death. Gifts featuring
this number are improper.

Hinduism

 major religion of India, practiced by more than 80% of the population

Some practices:

1. Doing business meeting requires a handshake called Namaste as part of etiquette. Using the
Namaste is a sign of understanding their etiquette.
2. Names speak volumes about an Indian’s background. Ex. Singh will always be Sikh. The suffix
“-jee” (as in Banerjee) is a sign of a high caste. “Kar” (as in Chandraskar) denotes that person
is a Maharashtan high caste.
3. Always use the appropriate formal title when addressing a person if the person is personally
known like Professor, Doctor, Mr, Mrs. If the person is not quite familiar use their names, then
Sir or Madam will suffice.
4. Business cards should be exchanged at the first meeting. It is an excellent idea to have it
translated on one side in to Hindi, more as a symbol of respect rather than a linguistic
necessity. It must be received and given with the right hand. The card must not be simply
pushed into trouser pocket.
5. Doing business involves building relationships because they only deal favorably with those
they know and trust even in lucrative deals. It is essential that a good working relationship is
founded with any prospective partner. This must take place on a business level, like
demonstrating strong business sharpness, and at a personal level, like relating to a partner
and exhibiting the positive traits of trustworthiness and honor.
6. Meeting should be arranged well in advance. This should be done in writing and confirmed by
phone. Meetings must be scheduled near or on national holidays. in order to avoid the heat,
meeting schedules must be placed between October or March.
7. Punctuality is expected, although being 10 minutes late will not have ruinous consequences.
Flexibility is vital. Family responsibilities take priority over business so last minute
postponements are likely when doing business.
8. When entering a meeting room, a person must always approach and greet the most elder
figure first. Meeting should always start with some conversation. This is part of the getting to
know process. Favorable topics of conversation are the newest business news and the
fortunes of the stock exchange. Talking about personal matters is avoided. Commenting on
matters such as the poverty or beggars must be prevented.
9. Business dealings involve negotiations and can be slow. if trust has not yet been ascertained
the concentrate efforts on building a relationship. Decisions are always prepared at the
 highest level. If the owner or director of the company is absent, the chances are these are
early state negotiations.
10. Business decisions are not solely based on statistics, empirical data exciting PowerPoint
presentations. they use intuition, feeling and faith to guide them. Businessmen must apply
patience, demonstrate good character and never display frustration or anger.
11. When negotiating avoid high pressure tactics and do not be forceful. Criticisms and
disagreements should be expressed only with the most tactful language. There is an aversion
to saying “no” as it is considered rude due to possibility of causing disappointment or offense.
Listen carefully to Indians’ responses to your questions. If term such as “well see”, “I will try”
or “possibly” are employed then the chances are that they are saying “no”.
12. Once terms are been agreed there will be a celebration dinner for a successful negotiation
and the continuous process of relationship building process.

Judaism

 sees nothing immoral with business and making profit as long as the firm realizes that it has other
responsibilities too.
 any organization must practice loving, kindness, justice, and righteousness as stressed and
demanded by God.
 business ethics occupies such important place in Jewish law, culture, and tradition
 Jews believed that the very first question an individual is asked in the next world at the final
judgement: “Were you honest in your business dealings?”
 relations between employees and employers, as well, are regulated by Jewish Law.
 law recognizes the legality of regulations promulgated by “the residents of the town” about wages
and working conditions.
 the rights and the interests of the workers and management are to be taken into account by
someone to whom a labor disagreement is brought for arbitration or adjudication.
 the authority of the government is accepted in such statues as that which requires that Jewish
citizens pay the taxes levied upon them fairly and honestly. The law of the land is the law.

Buddhism

 Buddhist business practices and maxims can be beneficial to the decision-making process in the
workplace.
 Buddhist principles for business in order to achieve workplace nirvana in no time:
1. “Too cold, too hot, too late”, Can always be the excuses to those who do not want to work.
2. None can live without toil, and an ability that provides one’s needs is a blessing really.
3. Develop the mind of equilibrium. People will always be getting praise and blame, but do
not let either affect the composure of the mind. Just follow the calmness of the mind.
4. The Eightfold Path
a. Praְjña Ditthi - seeing reality unfiltered, and as it actually exists
b. Prajña Sankappa – the purifying wisdom and intension of harmlessness
c. Sila Vaca – saying the truth, practicing non-harm in speech patterns
 d. Sila Kammanta – non-harmful action (this applies to self and others)
e. Sila Ajiva – commitment to a non-harming life
f. Samadhi Vayama – seeking the mindful discipline to improve oneself constantly
and over time
g. Samadhi Sati – awareness of reality and freedom from temptations, cravings and
distractions
h. Samadhi Samadhi – proper concentration and meditation
5. Work means to discover the world and then give oneself wholeheartedly to it.
6. The most valuable service is one rendered to one’s fellow humans. This means that work
is valuable only in as much as it helps other people.
7. Every individual has a responsibility to help guide the global family in the right direction.
8. Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present
moment.
9. One can only lose what he clings to. This means that everyone should embrace change.
10. A jug fills drop by drop. This means that things happen step by step, and that
methodological little by little work is often superior to big splashes.

Confucianism

 in the business world, the Confucian emphasis on respect is reflected in workplace decorum.
 “face” means good reputation
 all relationship are considered to be unequal
 it is required to demonstrate reverence to age, seniority or educational background.
 Confucian model of the hierarchy nature of society. Ex. subordinates will not question the decision
of superior because it will be disrespectful.
 Confucianism business ideology
1. The way to perceive a crisis – Crisis translate to a combination of danger and opportunity.
Every crisis poses a potential opportunity, only if that danger is manage properly.
2. The importance of relationship (Gaunxi) – Interpersonal relationships in business is
extremely valuable.
3. Strategy and Preparation
4. Re-evaluating what success really means
5. What Confucius said – “when it is obvious that goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the
goals, adjust the action steps.”. He added that, “Instead of being concerned that you have
no office, be concerned to think how you may fit yourself for office. Instead of being
concerned that you are not known, seek to be worthy of being known.”

Taoism

 Tao teaches people the art of living and doing business.

 Business success is the sum of preparation and opportunity. it applies equally well to the
management of large corporations or the running of a small business, to the governing of a nation
or the leading a small team, to one’s personal development or to the coaching of others.
 knowing and understanding the customer’s perceptions
Christianity

 Biblical principles that stand out that define a Christian business:

1. Integrity – is about Christian-centered living. It is about doing what is right rather that
what is expedient.
2. Commitment to excellence – If an organization is to be recognized as exemplary one, one
whose goal is to glorify God through its commitment to excellence in its service and
product, it must always honor God and be thoroughly cognizant of its role and mission in
a pagan world.
3. Commitment to its people – this includes the area of fair compensation, performance
recognition, and providing growth opportunities both professionally and personally.

Islam

 Principles of behavior expected among business people:

1. Contracts should be fair to all parties – Partnership is preferred over hierarchical claims.
2. Speculation is prohibited – people do not like gambling. Investment in an Islamic mutual
fund is always encourages among industries except for the gambling industry.
3. Interest is prohibited – part of the religious belief is that you don’t charge interest or
accept interest. Now, of course, that isn’t always practiced, but it is a theory.”
4. Compassion is required when a business is in trouble – In any country that has Islamic
influences in its legal structure, bankruptcy or if somebody is experiencing financial
reversals, no pressure can be placed on them because that is not an appropriate thing to
do when somebody is down.
 Cultural differences can present straight forward logistical issues. Most Muslims countries have
Thursday-Friday or Friday-Saturday weekends. But the more complex aspects of culture present
the real challenges.
Few tips on broad cultural differences that business people may have to navigate:
1. Power
– In the Muslim world, power is largely ascribed, meaning that people can often
reach high places by virtue of their birth and social position. As a result, a person’s
title or level of influence may seem incongruous with their accomplishments or
experiences.
2. Community
– Muslim societies are usually “we” societies, so people’s role in the society is
respected and the group takes precedence. This affects performance
management in particular because it is seen as unfair to reward one person.
3. Rules
– The written rules governing any scenario are the final authority. The existing
business practices and trusted guides are normally used in navigating business
transactions
4. Communication
– Verbal communication is not direct. People get their points across in long,
winding stories, and being straightforward is seen as impolite. In negotiations,
one should carefully listen. Patience will produce helpful information especially if
one is able to read between the lines of the message.
5. Islamic Finance
– Muslim Finance takes the concept of fairness very sincerely, and charging
interest is regarded unfair, although in practice this rule is not absolute. Speculative
finance is also considered unprincipled, so it is expected that resistance to instruments
like options and futures would be encountered.