Unit II - Foundations of the

Principles of
Business Ethics
Prepared By：
Ma. Cristina Perlas, MBA, LPT
 CONTENTS
1 Classical Philosophers

Impact of Belief Systems

2 in Business

3 Filipino Value System

 Part 1
Classical
Philosopher
- is the branch of philosophical thinking that
investigates the set of questions that arises when
one considers how to act.

- it is a system of moral standards that

distinguishes right and wrong.

- its objective is to evaluate practices by calling

upon principles and giving advice on how to act
morally in a given situation.

- The word “ethics” evolved from the Greek word

ethos which means “showing moral character”.
THREE DISTINCT ETHICAL THEORIES

03
01 02 03
Virtue Deontological Consequentialist
Ethics Ethics Ethics
- emphasizes virtuous, or moral character. It
focuses on the desirable characteristics that a
virtuous person should embody. One's action
is a mere reflection of one's inner morality.
- often referred to as duty ethics, emphasizes
on adhering to ethical principles or duties and
obedience to some higher moral absolute. It
assumes the existence of moral absolutes that
make an action moral regardless of
circumstances.
- bases the morality of an action upon the
consequences of the outcomes. However, the
main contention of this branch is what
outcomes can be identified as objectively
desirable. John Stuart Mill asserts that the
desirability of an action determines the net
amount of happiness it brings.
Example:

When someone requires help, virtue

ethicists would regard helping as benevolent;
a deontologist would act with a moral rule,
such as the Golden rule; consequentialist
would point to the fact that the consequences
of assisting will maximize the well-being of all
concerned.
 CLASSICAL PHILOSOPHERS

01 02 03 04

SOCRATES PLATO ARISTOTLE CONFUCIUS

SOCRATES, Philosopher (470 BC - 399 BC)

Socrates was a great Greek thinker. He believed that

philosophy should achieve practical results for the greater
good of society. He attempted to establish an ethical
system based on human reason. He pointed out that
choices are motivated by the person's desire for
happiness and that ultimate wisdom comes from knowing
oneself. The more a person knows, the greater his/her
ability to reason and make choices that bring happiness.
This is called Dialectic method which compels the
audience to think through a problem to a logical
conclusion. This Socratic method is the groundwork for
Western system of logic and philosophy.

BACK
PLATO, Philosopher (428 BC - 348 BC)
Plato ,a enthusiastic student of Socrates, wrote out the
dialogues he had with his teacher. He explored the
concepts of justice, beauty, and equality.

He wrote The Republic, a treatise that discusses what

knowledge, illusion, and reality are. Plato distinguishes
between realities presented by the senses (touch, sight,
taste, sound, and smell) and the essence or “Form” of that
reality.
 Three main classes of people
(Ideal Society according to Plato)

1. Producers (craftmens, farmers, artisans, etc.)

2. Auxiliaries (warriors)
3. Guardians (rulers)

A society is just when all three classes work harmoniously

and perform its function. In this ideal society, the
philosopher king rules with knowledge.
“The Academy”

BACK
ARISTOTLE, Philosopher (348 BC - 322 BC)
Aristotle was an exemplary student in Plato's Academy for
20 years. He believed that knowledge could be obtained
by interacting with objects. He recognized that human
interpretation and personal associations play roles in
understanding objects.

He first used the term “ethics” to name a field of study

developed by his predecessors. Ethics, according to
Aristotle, is the attempt to offer a rational response to
how human should best live.
He emphasized the importance of developing excellence
of character (virtue arete) as the way to achieve excellent
activity (energeia).

Examples : honesty, courage, loyalty, and integrity.

These character traits must be put into action. A person

who possesses excellent character therefore does the
right thing at the right time and in the right way.
Virtue ethics is a character-based ethics.
For Aristotle, a virtous person embodies a
virtue through and through.

Aristotle then asks why people are called

to ACTION. He defines this ultimate goal
to happiness. To live the best life, one's
highest aim is to achieve well-being,
happiness, or human flourishing
(eudaimonia).

He suggests that the way to build a good

society is to help its members to be good
people rathen than use law and
punishments to prevent bad actions.
His main focus in philosophy - systematic concept of logic
through inference and deduction.

His theory is the basis for syllogism, a logical argument

where the conclusion is inferred from two or more other
premises.

In his writing, Prior Analytics, he defined the main

components of reasoning in terms of inclusive and
exclusive relationship e.g. Venn diagrams.
BACK
CONFUCIUS, Philosopher (551 BC - 479 BC)
He believed it was his obligation to reinforce the societal
values and compensation during the 6th century BC from
the deterioration of Chinese principles.

He envisioned a better society where moral principles are

based on the Golden Rule, “What you do not wish for
yourself, do not do to others.”

His reciprocity ethics were based on the concept of self-

discipline. A leader must set a positive example, remain
humble, and treat his people with compassion.
He also believed that he must teach people to live with
integrity, diligence, and obedience. He also considered
harmony of highest importance. Harmony brings
prosperity and ultimately good relationships.

Han Dynasty's state ideology (2nd century BC) was based

on his philosophies, which emphasized personal and
governmental morality, correctness of social relationships,
justice, and sincerity.
BACK
CLASSICAL PHILOSOPHIES IN THE BUSINESS SETTING

Business professionals face challenges daily.

How do they apply virtue ethics in business
decision-making?
CLASSICAL PHILOSOPHIES IN THE BUSINESS SETTING

The classical philosophers raised relevant questions that can be directed

in an organizational context.

1. Am I behaving in a virtuous way?

2. How can we allow all members to develop full potential for the good of
the whole?
3. How can the organization provide an environment that is conducive to
each employee's growth and happiness?
4. Does the distribution of monetary gain preserve the happiness of the
community?
 Seatwork Questions
Differentiate the philosophical
contributions of Socrates, Plato,

02 04
Aristotle, and Confucius. What
What is the role of philosophy
are their similarities? What are
in the business world?
their differences?

01 What would our government

be like if it were run by
philosophers as Plato had
03 Based on your own Code of
Ethics, which philosopher do
you think closely espouses the
recommended? values that you have chosen for
your man-up company?
 Part 2
Impact of belief
systems in
business
- world's largest religion (2 billion followers)
- is a monotheistic religion based on the
teaching of Jesus Christ as the Son of God and
Savior.
- Christians believe in the Holy Trinity as forms
of the same God
 Bible - (Holy book of Christians) - records
JESUS CHRIST some events of Jesus of Nazareth's life story
- He was a Jew who was born in 1 CE in
Bethlehem to an Israelite virgin named Mary
who becomes miraculously pregnant.
- According to Luke and Matthew, he was born
in a manger and wise men came to bring gifts
to Jesus.
- Jesus Christ was fully human and had
experienced the world as man.
- He performed many miracles on Earth and
preached the gospel of the kingdom of God.
- He is also known as the Son of God, Light of
the World, Lamb of God, and The Good
Shepherd.
CHRISTIAN BELIEFS

1. One God - as a monotheistic religion, Christians believe in one God, the

creator and sustainer of life.
2. Justification by Faith - through Jesus's death and resurrection, salvation
comes; it occurs with faithfulness and each must live in accordance with
the principles of love.
3. Eternal life - christians believe that there is life after death. Heaven is
the final destination of believers.
4. Saints - they are recognized when they have lived particularly good and
hold lives, with whom miracles are claimed to have been associated after
their death; they can intercede to God on behalf of Christians. Only the
Roman Catholic and Orthodox perform the canonization of saints.
PRAYERS AND RITUALS

Prayers - it is the way to communicate with God; can be formal and

ritualistic; can also be personal and spontaneous.
Church - is a structure used for religious activities and worship; the body
of Christ; community of believers.
Priests - priests, ministers, and vicar are the spiritual leaders of Christians;
they worship by reading from scriptures, prayers, speech, music,
sermons, and holy ceremonies.
Bible - holy book and a product of divine inspiration and considered by
believers as the infallible Word of God; collection of scriptures sacred in
Christianity and divided into the Old and New Testament.
PRAYERS AND RITUALS

Eucharist - a celebration during

Mass to commemorate the final
meal that Jesus took with his
disciples before crucifixion. The
wine represents his blood; and
the bread, his body.
Second Coming of Jesus -
according to the gospels, the
return of Jesus to Earth after his
ascension to heaven 2,000 years
ago will come after the apocalytic
signs.
DENOMINATIONS

Christians - Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant. Each denomination

is further divided, but they all believe in core ideas, such as the
resurrection of Christ, authority of the Bible, and eternal life in heaven
even if they worship and pray in different ways.

1. Roman Catholic - represents the Church as it developed in Western

Europe, headed by bishops in communion with the Pope, who is the
Bishop of Rome. He is the highest authority in faith, morality, and
governance. The Church traces its origin to the Christian community
founded by Jesus Christ.
DENOMINATIONS

2. Orthodox - comprises those churches developed in Eastern Europe in

communion with the Patriarchal Sees of the East. Similar to the Catholic
Church, the Orthodox Church traces its heritage to the foundation of
Christianity through apostolic succession. Its main difference with the
Roman Catholics is the allegiance to the Pope, its emphasis on the use of
icons in worship and the date it celebrates Easter.
DENOMINATIONS

3. Protestantism - was inaugurated in the 16th century by Martin Luther

(Lutherans), Huldrych Zwingli, and John Calvin (reformed tradition). More
sects following in the 18th century.
* - Anglican minister John Wesley
* - from Methodism
Methodist and Pentecostals and other evangelicals emphasize “accepting
Jesus as personal Lord and Savior”, thus they are called .
Protestants do not acknowledge the Pope and reject many traditions and
beliefs of the Catholic Church. They emphasize the importance of reading
the Bible, and they hold to the doctrine of salvation by faith alone.
 IMPACT OF CHRISTIANITY IN BUSINESS PRACTICES

1. In Producing Goods - God has intended for mankind to develop Earth,

by imparting the knowledge and skills to be able to make something from
the materials that God has provided. Christians are taught to avoid
selfishness and greed; producing harmful, evil or destructive work, such
as drugs or pornography, must be avoided.

2. In Employing People and Being Employed - In the Bible, Jesus taught

that laborers deserve wages and employers also benefit by having the
work done. Employers must exercise caution not to oppress and be unfair.
On the other hand, employees must exercise caution to avoid
carelessness in work, laziness, jealousy bitterness,
dishonesty, theft, or rebelliousness.
 IMPACT OF CHRISTIANITY IN BUSINESS PRACTICES

3. In Buying and Selling - Commercial transactions are in themselves good

because the community is able to help and fulfill each other's needs.
Christians must guard themselves from seeking only their good and
having no thought of others. One must overcome selfishness.

4. In Earning Profit - The Bible teaches about stewardship - expanding or

multiplying the possessions God has entrusted mankind. Seeking profit is
fundamentally good, however, caution must be made that the profits are
not acquired through the exploitation of others or due to unfair business
practices.
CASE STUDY

Hobby Lobby is a chain of craft stores in the United States. Since the
owners are Christian, all its stores are open daily, except during Sundays.
This is to allow its employees to have time to practice their faith and be
with family even though it means lesser sales.

Guide Questions
1. Do you think many businesses in the Philippines are closed on Sundays
due to the fact that the Philippines is largely a Christian country?
2. If you were a business owner, would you require your employees to
work on Sundays? Explain your answer.
 INTRODUCTION TO
ISLAM
Islam - comes from the word “salam” which is
literally interpreted as “peace” and
“submission”. It is the world's 2nd largest
religion with 1.62 billion followers.

Muslim - a follower of Islam. It comes from an

Arabic word that refers to a person who
submits himself/herself to the will of Allah.

Allah - an Arabic word that means “the One

True God”.
 - was born in the late 6th century CE.
MUHAMMAD - was orphan at age 6 and was brought up by his
uncle after his paternal grandfather took him.
- he worked as shepherd and was taken on a
caravan to Syria by his uncle.
- he met different people from different
religions and was able to learn about
Christianity, Judaism, and pagan religions.
- he had 13 wives and 7 children. After his
marriage to Aisha (3rd/youngest wife), he spent
more time in meditation at Mount Hira.
- In 610 CE, he was visited in Mecca by the angel
Jibril, who ordered him to recite the words. He
was ordained a Prophet and given the task of
converting his countrymen from their
polythestic beliefs.
- he became the most powerful leader in
Arabia.
ISLAMIC BELIEFS
FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM
- play important roles in the intellectual and social dimension of Muslims.
- it gives a framework for worship and a sign of commitment to the faith.

1. The Shahada (Witness)

- testimony of faith that Muslims believe in.
- “La ilah ha il Allah; Muhammad Rasul-Allah” which means “No deity by
Allah; Muhammad is His Messenger”.
- this should be said with conviction in order to convert to Islam.
- Islam emphasizes the oneness and uniqueness of God.
- It also declares that Muhammad is God's messenger and his mission has
brought the final posting of the Divine Truth.
ISLAMIC BELIEFS

2. The Salat (Prayer)

- Muslims perform five daily prayers as an act of personal communication
with God. A Schedule of Prayer (need to be prayed facing the Mecca's
direction) as follows:
a. Early morning before the sunrise (Fajr)
b. Noon (Zuhr)
c. Late afternoon just before sunset (Asr)
d. After sunset (Maghrib)
e. Evening (Isha)
* A purity ritual is prepared before praying. A congregational prayer on
Friday afternoon is compulsory for men. They must be said in a mosque
(place of worship), where a sermon is made and the prayers are
performed in uniform rows.
ISLAMIC BELIEFS

3. The Zakat (Alms)

- All Muslims are obliged to give a charity of 2.5% of their wealth and
asset each year in excess of what is required to the less fortunate.

- it is considered an act of worship because it is a form of offering out of

gratitude to God for the well-being one has fortunately acquired.
ISLAMIC BELIEFS

4. The Siyam (Fasting)

- another way to offer gratitude to Allah. It encourages a feeling of
nearness to God. One should express gratitude for and dependence on
God, atone for past sins, and think of the needy. It is physically
demanding, it is spiritually rewarding.
-Sick, pregnant, and breastfeeding women and traveling Muslims can
make up lost days of fasting at a later time.
- During Ramadan (9th month of the Islamic calendar), Muslims are
prohibited to eat and drink from dawn to dusk.
- Ramadan is considered the holiest period in the Islamic year as it was
when the Qu'ran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.
- The breaking of the fast is a joyous occasion for Muslims.
ISLAMIC BELIEFS

5. The Hajj (Pilgrimage)

- it begins in Shawwal (10th month) and lasts through the middle of Shu
al-Hijja ( 12th month).

- those who are physically and financially capable are required to make
pilgrimage to Mecca once during their lives.

- the actual rites and prayers take place at the sacred Ka'ba in Mecca.
ISLAMIC BELIEFS

SIX PILLARS OF IMAN (FAITH)

1.
- Muslims believe in a single, indivisible God who is omnipotent and
merciful.
- Holy Qu'ran mentions 25 prophets and indicates other messengers,
including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus and the last
prophet Muhammad.
- In Islam, Jesus Christ is not considered the Son of God.
ISLAMIC BELIEFS

2.
- They also believe in angels (malak in Arabic, which means “messenger”).
- They do not have free will, and therefore, obey God in total obedience.
- Their duties are to communicate revelations from God, glorify God,
record every person's deeds, and take a person's soul at the time of
death.
- They have no form because pictorial depictions are avoided in Islamic
art.
ISLAMIC BELIEFS

3.
- It includes Tawrat (Toraj), Injil (Gospels), Zabur (Psalms), and Qu'ran.
- Muslims believe that Toraj and Injil have become distorted in
interpretation.
- They respect them by the only the Holy Qu'ran is free from errors
because it was dictated to Muhammad by the archangel for over an
interval of 23 years.
- It gives moral guidance than legal instructions and is considered the
sourcebook for Islamic principles and values.
ISLAMIC BELIEFS

4.
- The prophet's sunnah (words, actions, and personal characteristics) is
collected into the Hadith (reports) which supplements and assists the
interpretation of the Qu'ran.
- Madh'habs - these are schools of thought from the learned consensus of
Ulema (scholars) and reasoning by analogy from accepted interpretation
of the Qu'ran and sunnah to new problems not directly addressed
therein.
- 4 School of Thought: (1) Hanafi (Abu Hanifa), (2) Maliki (Malik ibn Anas),
(3) Shafi'i (Muhammad al-Shafi'i), and (4) Hanbali (Ahmad ibn Hanbal).
ISLAMIC BELIEFS

4.
- Shari'ah - composite source of teaching and practices. It includes strict
instructions on topics of crime politics, economics, personal issues
(hygiene, diet, prayer, etiquette, sexual activity). It is considered as the
infallible law of God.
Examples: respecting the dietary restriction against eating pork and
drinking alcohol, respecting parents and elders, helping kins and giving to
the poor and disadvantaged. One must also not commit theft, murder,
suicide, fornication, adultery, lying, cheating, wrongly accusing others,
and gambling should be avoided.
ISLAMIC BELIEFS

5.
- On the Day of Judgment, people will be judged on the basis of their
good and bad deeds while on Earth.
- Unlike Christians, Muslims do not believe that Jesus can save people
from sin.
- The sinless will be rewarded and after death, sent to heaven where
there is physical and spiritual pleasure.
- Unbelievers and sinners will go to help as punishment.
ISLAMIC BELIEFS

6.
- there is predestination of all things and events.
- it is Allah's decree, wisdom, actions, and will.
- Allah knows everything before it comes into being and He knows what
will happen.
- He has brought everything to existence in accordance to His knowledge
and design.
DENOMINATIONS
Within Islam, the main division are Sunni and Shia. The split continues to
cause strife among Muslims.

1. - is the largest denomination making up 75-90% of all Muslims.

They consider themselves Ahl as-Sunnah, which means “people of the
tradition of Muhammad”.

2. - consists 10-20% of Islam and is considered the second largest

branch. Shiites, or the Shia followers, believe that Muhammad appointed
his son-in-law, Ali ibn Abi Talib, to be his successor; therefore, they reject
the legitimacy of the other Imam (leaders). Sia embodies a completely
independent system of authority, religious hierarchy, and historical
interpretation.
 IMPACT OF ISLAM IN BUSINESS PRACTICES

1. Practice freedom of enterprise.

2. Be honest and truthful.
3. Trade through mutual consent.
4. Treat workers fairly.
5. Keep one's word.
6. Be humble.
7. Seek halal earnings.
CASE STUDY
In a Halal and Healthy forum, an American Muslim commented that while
Halal meat stores were growing in number in their area, he noticed that a
lot of the store keepers did not follow the health code, and that the
customers were treated rudely.

The article notes that the buying power of Muslims are expanding but
that owners need to understand what obligation Muslims businesses
have to the Muslim community. The writer further advises that by making
Allah the goal, and implementing Islamic rules of honesty, truthfulness
and good behavior with customers, any Muslim business is bound to
boom.

(refer to http://www.soundvision.com/article/7-tips-for-muslim-businesses)
CASE STUDY
Guide Questions:

1. Is adhering to the teachings of Allah beneficial or detrimental to a

business as described in the articles? Explain your answer.

2. Are the practices of treating customers well and following the health
code applicable to an business owner?
 INTRODUCTION TO
BUDDHISM
- is non-theistic religion based on the
teaching of Siddhartha Gautama. Even if it is
not based on the idea of God, people still
refer to it as a religion.
- The Buddhist way to life is based on a life
of peace with universal love and
compassion, omniscient wisdom, and
boundless spiritual power.
- There are about 500 million Buddhists
worldwide, making Buddhism one of the
world’s major religions.
Siddhartha Gautama Buddha (‘enlightened one’ in Sanskit) –
refer to the founder of Buddhism,
Siddhartha Gautama.
- He was the one of King Suddhodana and
Queen Maya of the Sakya clan, whose
capital was Kapilavastu (present day
Nepal).
- King Suddhodana determined for his son
to be king, prevented Siddhartha to leave
the place grounds.
- He was raised by his mother’s younger
sister, Maha Pajapati, after his mother’s
death seven days after childbirth. He
later married Yasodhara at age 16 and
has a son, Rahula.
History of Buddhism - At age 29, despite his father’s efforts,
Gautama ventured outside the palace and
encountered the sick, the aged, the
suffering, and the dead for the first time.
- He lived an ascetic life by begging for
alms on the streets. He practiced under
two hermit teachers of yogic medication,
mastered the teachings of Kalama, and
moved on the study yoga with Udaka
Ramaputta.
- After six years of his journey, he attained
enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree in
India. He liberated himself from the cycle
of suffering and rebirth, arose, and
attained enlightenment.
1. FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS

- The heart of Buddhist teaching.

- The Four Noble Truths
a. There is suffering that is ingrained and part of life
b. Suffering is due to the attachment to things
c. There is cessation to suffering
d. There is a life path to end suffering
- Nirvana – is the state of perfect peace of mind that is free from
ignorance, greed, and hatred.
- One can follow the Eightfold Path to attain Nirvana by having the
correct focus and behavior.
2. THE NOBLE EIGHTFOLD PATH
a. Right View – to understand wholesome and unwholesome deeds and
comprehend the law of Karma
b. Right Intention – the intention of non-greed, non-hatred, and non-
delusion
c. Right Speech - abstaining from false, malicious, harsh speech and idle
chatter
d. Right Action – abstaining from killing, stealing, and sexual misconduct
e. Right Livelihood – abstaining from wrong and corrupt means of
livelihood
f. Right Effort – awakening zeal for abandoning unwholesome states;
arising and sustaining wholesome states
2. THE NOBLE EIGHTFOLD PATH
g. Right Mindfulness – constant contemplation on body, feelings, mind,
and Buddhist teachings
h. Right Concentration – abandoning lust, ill-will, sloth-torpor, worry,
agitation, and doubt through meditation

- By following the path, one can transform the negative mind to a

positive one an attain enlightenment.
- In Buddhism, the mind is a formless continuum that is separate from
the body. When one dies, the body disintegrates, but the mind does
not cease to exist. It goes into a deeper level of consciousness called
the SUBTLE MIND. When completely purified, the subtle mind
transforms into the omniscient mind of Buddha.
3. THE LAW OF KARMA

- Buddhists understand the law of Karma as the basis for morality.

- Every action humans perform leaves an imprint in the subtle mind,
and each act is a karmic potential.
- Virtuous actions and good deeds sow seeds of future happiness in the
same life or the next.
- Negative actions cause unhappiness in the future.
4. REINCARNATION

- Buddhists also believe in reincarnation.

- Beings are reborn in accordance to their karma.
- People will good karma are reborn in a fortunate state as a human or a
God
- People with bad karma are reborn in a lower state, such as an animal
or insect, hungry ghost, or hell being.
- By practicing the Eightfold path, one can end the cycle of death and
rebirth and attain a state of perfect peace and freedom.
- This allows one to be in a position to help others do the same.
Buddhism’s main tenet is to do no harm.
a. Foster minimalistic work view and free oneself from worldly
attachments.
b. Strike a balance between toiling and overworking.
c. See reality unfiltered, say the truth, practice non-harm in words and
actions, and commit no wrong.
d. Free oneself from temptations, cravings, and distractions.
e. Be mindful and to keep calm.
f. Non-exploitation
Chodkee Rutirasiri, the founder of Story and Structure, a design firm, is an
advocate of applying Buddhist teachings in the business world.

In the code values of his company, he incorporates Right Intentions,

which means really listening to the needs of his clients, and then coming
up with solutions that they can easily implement.

Guide Question:
In the Eightfold path, what do you think is one teaching that you can
apply to a business? Explain in three to five sentences.
 INTRODUCTION TO
JUDAISM
Judaism - oldest monotheistic religion in the
world but the smallest major religion with 18
million followers.
- a vast majority of Jews are in the US and
Israel while the rest are scattered in Europe,
Latin America, Canada, Africa, Australia, and
Asia.
- emphasizes justice, charity, modesty and
doing good deeds.
- the focus is in the present time on Earth
rather than Eternal Life in Heaven.
- considered the Father of the Jewish
people.
- he was instructed to leave, Haran (his
country), with his wife Sarah, and his
nephew Lot.
- Sarah bore a child named Isaac. God
tested Abraham's obedience by
commanding him to offer his son up as a
sacrifice in Mount Mariah.
-When Sarah passed away, he took
another wife whom he had six sons.
- He lived until the age of 175, having lived
to see the birth of his grandsons.
- another important leader of the
religion who freed the Jews from
slavery.
- God, through Moses, saved them by
leading them to Mount Sinai.
- God revealed Himself to the people
and offered them a covenant - to be
the Chosen People.
- God later gave Moses the Torah
that lists the laws and
Commandments of God.
1. ONE GOD

- there is one God, creator of the universe, and main power in the
universe.

-Man is created in the image of God and is given free will, therefore,
responsible for his actions and God will judge the person in the end of the
day.
2. Jewish Identity
- Jew - used to refer to all the descendants of Jacob (son of Isaac) and
Judaism is used to refer to their beliefs.

- Jews were originally called Hebrews that derived from “eyver” which
means “the other side” to refer to Abraham who was spiritually and
morally separated from other nations of the Land.

- Jews are also referred to as Israelites, descendants of Jacob, whom God

gave another name, Israel.

- After the death of King Solomon, Israel was split into the Kingdom of
Judah (Yehudi in Hebrew) and the kingdom of Israel.
3. Holy Book
- Tanach - is the acrostic for the three groups
of books of Jewish scriptures.

- Ta (Torah) - the most important of the Jewish

writings comprised of the first five books of
the Hebrew Bible. It described the history of
the Jews until the death of Moses. It includes
Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and
Deuteronomy.

- Na (Nevi'im) - for the prophets

- Ch (Kethuvim) - for the writings
- Scriptures used in services are written in
Torah scrolls using Hebrew calligraphy. No one
is allowed to touch the scrolls even while
reading.

- A pointer called “Yad” shaped as a hand with

a pointing index finger is used to assist the
reader to follow the words in the scroll.

- It is forbidden to touch the scrolls for various

reasons.

- Scrolls are kept in an Ark of the covenant.

- Talmud (oral Torah) - contains collective stories and explanations,
laws, moral discussions, and medical knowledge.

- It is a tradition that is believed to have taught to Moses by God and

passes on through oral form until it was written down in the Mishnah.

- Additional commentaries elaborating the Mishnah were written

down which are known as Gemara.
4. Israel
- Jerusalem is the holiest city and the capital of Israel.
- Living outside Israel is considered unnatural for the Jews.
- Their prayers would always include a return to Israel and
Jerusalem.

5. Mashiach (Messiah)
- Torah says that an anointed one will come to Earth and save the
Jews.
- The mission of the Mashiach will bring political and spiritual
redemptions to Jews, restore Jerusalem, and rebuild the Temple.
- The Messiah idea is not of the savior but of a great human leader.
- Jews do not believe Jesus was the Messiah
6. Rabbis and Synagogues
- Rabbis are spiritual leaders educated in halakhah or Jewish laws
and traditions to lead the community and provide guidance and
education. They do not have special authority to conduct services
and even members of the community can lead services even when
a rabbi is available.
- Synagogue is the place of worship, a place where Jewish people
congregate, study, and do charitable work.
- Different names in different denominations:
a. Orthodox – “shul” (School) – a place to study
b. Conservative Jews – “synagogue” – place of assembly
c. Reform Jews – “temple” – Temple of Jerusalem
7. Sabbath
- Jewish holy day that begins at the sunset on Friday until the sunset
on Saturday.
- It is a day to rest to thank God for creating the universe.
- During Sabbath, Jews are prohibited to do anything that might be
counted as work (e.g. cooking, writing, buying or selling using
electrical devices, building or fixing things, and driving).
- On Sabbath, families share a meal and eat CHALLAH – a special
braided bread. It commemorates the manna that fell from the
heaven when the Israelites wandered in the desert after the
Exodus.
- Jews would attend services at the language at the synagogue on
Sabbath.
8. Life Events
- BRIT MILA (at 8do) – which is a circumcision ceremony and a baby
naming ritual is performed.
8. Life Events
- BAR MITZVAH – coming of age celebration for boys (at 13yo) and
for girls (at 12yo).
- Bar Mitzvah = “son/daughter of the commandments” in Hebrew.
They are considered as full-grown men and women and are
expected to follow Jewish law.
- Wedding Ceremony:
1st part – KIDDUSHIN –
involved the groom giving
the bride a ring, followed by the
reading of the marriage contract.
KETUBAH – the contract
includes the terms of marriage
and divorce.
2nd Part – NISUIN – wherein
the couple stands under the
CHUPPAH, which is traditionally
a decorated four-poster canopy.
- Wedding Ceremony:
CHUPPAH – It is a symbol of their
Dwelling together as husband and wife.

- They recite seven blessings in the

presence of ten adult Jewish men. The
groom breaks a glass with his right foot
to remember the destruction of the
Temple of Jerusalem. Guests would then
cheer, “Mazel tov!” to congratulate the
couple.
Mazel tov = literally means “goodluck”
8. Jewish Laws
- Halakhah = “the path that one walks.”
- It is a set of rules and practices followed by the Jews from the Torah
and the Talmud.
- It includes rules about food, appropriate clothes, how to conduct
business, who one can marry, and how to treat God, people, and
animals.
- One is constantly reminded of the relationship with God through
these daily rituals and practices.
9. Kosher Food
- Kashrut – is the set of religious rules that Jews follow in preparing
kosher food.
- Kosher food means that the food conforms to Jewish laws.
- Kashrut prohibits mixing dairy and meat, and the consumption of
animals without split hooves such as hare and horse, or animals
that do not chew their cud, such as pigs.
- Prescribed Jewish rituals must be followed to slaughter animals.
- Fish that has scales and fins are permitted but seafood like lobsters
or mussels are prohibited.
Rabbinic Judaism – is the main movement that is characterized by the
belief that the written Torah has to be interpreted with the oral Torah.

1. Orthodox – Orthodox Jews believe that laws given by God are timeless
and can never be changed.
2. Reform Judaism – does away with strict dietary requirements and
Sabbath but focused on the moral laws of the religion and emphasizes
personal connection to traditions.
3. Conservative Judaism – this movement was developed after leaders
found Reform Judaism too radical and wanted to preserve Jewish
traditions instead of changing the laws. Conservative Judaism teaches
that the law is not static and has to change to reflect modern times and
conditions.
Karaites and Samaritans
- Karaites only accept the Hebrew as authoritative scripture for their
community.
- Some do not identify themselves as part of the Jewish community.
- Samaritans base their faith on the written Torah with emphasis on the
Samaritan Book of Joshua.
In the traditional Judaism, there are 613 mitzvot (commandments) that
are equal in importance to the “ten commandments”. The mitzvot are
taken from the written and oral Torah. Many pertain to doing business in
accordance to the Jewish laws.
a. Business in Good Faith
b. Treatment of Workers
c. Trading
Bob Diener, founder of hotels.com, credit his business success to the
following Jewish teachings. One of his challenges was dealing with
employee issues. According to him, the Torah taught him to treat
employees equally and fairly (e.g. “You shall not abuse a needy or
destitute laborer, whether a fellow countryman or a stranger.” Deut.
24:14).

Guide Question:
Among the practices of the Jewish people, what do you find most
applicable to business? Give an example of its application.
THANK YOU