Zyad, Al Waqas Bin Abi, Ul-Haq, Shoaib ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8899-290X and Rauf, Ateeq Abdul (2024) Secularchy: suppressing the sacred in international business. Critical Perspectives on International Business. ISSN 1742-2043 (Online) (doi:10.1108/cpoib-06-2022-0063)

Preview

PDF (Author's Accepted Manuscript) 49017 HAQ_Secularchy_Suppressing_The_Sacred_In_International_Business_(AAM)_2024.pdf - Accepted Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial. Download (413kB) | Preview

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore and critically examine the integration of religious perspectives within diversity & inclusion initiatives in the context of international business. This qualitative study employed a case study methodology, focusing on an international consulting firm, inspired by Islamic Sufism, and their clients in South Africa and Pakistan. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with consultants and clients from 25 organizations, participant observations during training sessions, and document analysis. Thematic analysis was used to identify and analyze patterns within the data. The study revealed that religious ideas and individuals are marginalized in the global business environment through a phenomenon termed ‘secularchy’. Consultants from the Islamic Sufi-inspired firm had to detach religious elements from their management model to gain acceptance in secular corporate settings. Participants reported that religious perspectives were systematically excluded, and those expressing religious viewpoints faced significant barriers. The findings underscore the need for more inclusive D&I practices that genuinely integrate religious diversity into organizational cultures. This study introduces the concept of ‘secularchy’ to describe the systemic marginalization of religious perspectives in international business, a novel contribution to the diversity & inclusion literature. We challenge the dominant secular paradigm in global business, advocating for more equitable and comprehensive integration of religious diversity in organizational practices.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	diversity, inclusion, secularism, secularchy, marginalization of religion, Islamic management, Sufism
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BL Religion H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) H Social Sciences > HF Commerce
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Greenwich Business School Greenwich Business School > Networks and Urban Systems Centre (NUSC) Greenwich Business School > School of Business, Operations and Strategy
Last Modified:	03 Jan 2025 16:17
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/49017

Actions (login required)

View Item

Downloads