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Management is an elusive science. Mathematical models fail to predict team meltdowns and
troubled morale; direct oversight often results in direct failure. Despite years of experience, well
intentioned business leaders may soon become baffled and bewildered, unaware of why their
teams either flounder or succeed. Why so elusive? Can it be that biblical principles of Christian
management, coupled with practical business and management tactics, provide the answer?
What Is Management?
Fundamentally, management is about effectively directing people and resources to achieve
maximum business results; it is concerned with crafting success. Due to the varied, if not
ambiguous, nature of management, it is often classified into three divisions:
Scientific management uses mathematical models and empirical methods of measurement to
classify and predict success.
Human relationship management focuses on interpersonal communication and psychology to
achieve effective teamwork.
Human resources management pinpoints talent and ability and plugs employees in career
positions accordingly.
Christian V. Secular
In a nutshell, the above business practices follow the path of secular management. Christianity
adds two more attributes, one to the means and one to the end. The means: proper management
should respect human dignity. The end: proper management results in not only the growth of a
business, but the growth of a person.
What are some biblical management principles? Perhaps an examination of some of Judeo
Christianity’s most famous – or infamous – leaders will shed some light on Christian business
management.
Examples from the Noble and the Ignoble
Effective managers are not tyrannical. Moses, deliverer of a captive Israeli nation, was soon
subsumed by thousands of complaints from irritated Israelites. As he could not bear the civil
justice system upon his own shoulders, Moses divvied the civil and governmental work between
judges. Moses was neither powerhungry nor a dictator. Effective managers should allocate work
where proper and not fear losing power in the workplace.
How does a football coach begin his prechampionship game speech? By reviewing the past
year, highlighting victories and dismissing defeats. He uses the team’s track record of success to
motivate his players. David, one of the best king’s in Israel’s history, garnered loyalty from his
subjects by proclaiming his victories in battle.
Saul, David’s predecessor, was the antithesis to David’s efficacy. Saul, especially in the latter
part of his reign, brimmed with arrogance and selfrighteousness. As a result, his kingship was
stripped away. Pride should play no part in business success. Stories from Enron, WorldCom,
ADM and many others prove that conniving, clever attempts to illicitly “beat the market” are
hinged upon deceit and secrecy, and they will fail. Effective management is not prideful and is
not bound in deceptiveness.
The biblical manager is a leader. He leads through example, rather than lounging while his
subjects slave away. What man becomes a general without first fighting in the front ranks? Who
becomes President without first serving local government? Respect must be earned before
respect is given.
Christian business management is sadly lacking in today’s cutthroat capitalism. Led by sanguine
leaders, biblical administration is not only a successful mode of management, but a solution.
Biblical business is good business.
Sources:
http://www.aiias.edu/ict/vol_12/12cc_229243.htm
http://hubpages.com/hub/ManagementBasedonBiblicalPrinciplesFiveLeadershipLessons
fromKingSaul
http://www.12manage.com/methods_fayol_14_principles_of_management.html