Religious differences and ethical conflicts

Differences in the interpretation of sacred texts can lead to ethical conflicts

Religions and Global Business - Religious diversity

Religious differences refer to variations in beliefs, practices, rituals and values between different religions or even within the same religion (for example, between denominations or sects).

Religious differences can lead to ethical conflicts. For example, pharmaceutical companies face resistance in conservative regions to products such as contraceptives, which are banned in some Catholic-majority countries. Pfizer overcame this situation in the Philippines by focusing on non-controversial Product lines.

These differences can generate tensions or conflicts when religious communities interact, especially in pluralistic contexts or when there is competition for resources, power, or influence.

Principles of global ethics:

1. Harmony of Religions
2. Ahimsa (Non-Violence)
3. Why do we need a global ethics?
4. Religious diversity and geopolitical tensions
5. Business strategies to successfully adapt to religious diversity

Ethical conflicts arise when there are disagreements about what is morally right or wrong, often based on principles, values, or norms that may be influenced by religion, culture, or personal philosophy. These conflicts can manifest themselves in:

1. Moral dilemmas:

1. Issues such as abortion, euthanasia, the death penalty, and same-sex marriage are often divided among religions.
2. For example, some religions prohibit abortion based on the sanctity of life, while others may prioritize personal autonomy.

2. Tensions between individual freedom and collective norms:

1. Religions often establish community norms that may conflict with secular or individual values, such as the use of the veil in Islam versus secular laws that restrict it.

3. Ethics in global contexts:

1. Decisions on bioethics, climate change, or human rights, where religious perspectives may differ from secular approaches or from each other.

Many ethical positions derive from religious teachings. For example, the principle of nonviolence (ahimsa) in Hinduism and Jainism influences attitudes toward war and vegetarianism.

Differences in the interpretation of sacred texts can lead to ethical conflicts, as in the case of jihad in Islam (variously interpreted as internal struggle or holy war).

Chick-fil-A is an American fast-food restaurant chain known for its chicken sandwiches and its strong corporate identity based on Christian values. Founded in 1946 by S. Truett Cathy, the company operates more than 2,600 locations in the U.S. and is famous for its Sunday-closed policy, in line with the religious beliefs of its founder, who prioritized Sunday rest based on biblical principles. However, the company's stances on social issues, particularly its opposition to marriage equality, have generated ethical conflicts and public controversies.

Global Marketing

1. Cross-Cultural Management
2. Cultural intelligence and Religious diversity
3. Cultural influence of religion in global business
4. Religious risks for the global enterprise
5. Business strategies to successfully adapt to religious diversity

Christianity

1. Christian Ethics
2. Sermon on the Mount

Islam

1. Five pillars of Islam
2. Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence)
3. Islamic Economics
4. Sharia
5. Islamic Banking

Hinduism

1. Bhagavad-Gita
2. Sri Ramakrishna

Buddhism

1. Buddhist ethics

Academic Programs

(c) EENI Global Business School (1995-2025)
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