Business Commons^™

Witnessing At Work When It's Taboo To Talk About Religion, Michael E. Cafferky

Faculty Works

This article explores an alternative to traditional approaches to evangelism in the workplace. it presents an approach based on using the language of business alone in conversations with coworkers, suppliers and customers. While it is often taboo to talk about religion in secular organizations, opportunities exist for believers to be not just silent witnesses but rather explicit verbal witnesses to Jesus Christ. Business conversations naturally present opportunities to champion the theological identity and character traits of Jesus Christ without mentioning his name.

Soft Skills That Employers Are Seeking, Adrienne J. Royo

Faculty Works

As a university professor who wishes to discover ways in which I can enhance my students/advisees knowledge on how to prepare and plan for their future, I have executed a literature search relevant to the soft skills that employers are seeking in the graduates of the 21^st Century. The following article summaries purposely seek to elucidate this question for today’s graduates. A summary is provided at the end.

Editor’S Perspective: The Fusion Of Religion And Business, Michael E. Cafferky

Faculty Works

This article provides a summary of the ancient Hebrew concept of emeth (truth, faithfulness) and how it is relevant to contemporary business.

Redemption, Michael E. Cafferky

Faculty Works

This article reviews the biblical concept of redemption and explores its implications for business practice.

Editor’S Perspective: The Time Value Of Morality, Michael E. Cafferky

Faculty Works

This article presents the ancient Hebrew idea of Wisdom and its implications for contemporary business.

Editor’S Perspective: The Sacredness Of The Marketplace, Michael E. Cafferky

Faculty Works

This article presents ideas from the ancient Hebrew concept of holiness and its relevance for contemporary business. It explores the thesis that the marketplace is sacred.

Bridging The Gap Between Religion And Business: A Conversation, Michael E. Cafferky, Doug Jacobs

Faculty Works

This article explores some of the tensions that congregational pastors experience in terms of business and religion. It is a dialogue regarding the perceived gap between pastors and business professionals.

“Bridging the gap between religion and business: A conversation" by Michael Cafferky and Douglas Jacobs published in the December 2016 issue of Ministry,® International Journal for Pastors, www.MinistryMagazine.org. Used by permission.

Apologetics Without Apology: Arguments For The Existence Of God From Business & Economics, Michael E. Cafferky

Faculty Works

This paper offers the reader ways for the business practitioner to participate in Christian apologetics. Apologetics is defined. The purpose and tasks of apologetics is described. A case is made for the importance of Christian apologetics. Several tactics are introduced that offer potential for the Christian apologist. A matrix describes the potential opportunities to develop Christian apologetics for the context of business and economics. A discussion follows regarding the implications for business scholars and Christian business school curriculum at all levels.

Editor’S Perspective: Saturating Minds And Hearts With Scripture, Michael E. Cafferky

Faculty Works

This article summarizes the contribution that the Journal of Biblical Integration in Business makes to Christian business scholarship. It explores the idea of faith integration in business.

Keeping Sabbath During The Week, Michael E. Cafferky

Faculty Works

Would Sabbath-keeping be less meaningful if, on the other six days, our work disrupted human well-being or otherwise failed to honor the Sabbath Giver? This article is an abridged version of the longer peer-reviewed article "Sabbath: The Theological Roots of Sustainable Development" published in the Journal of Biblical Integration in Business available at http://cbfa-jbib.org/index.php/jbib/article/view/108/108 .

Ready Or Not: Career Readiness Informed By The Career Thoughts Inventory, Lydia Z. Hasan

Senior Research Projects

There is a growing concern that recent graduates of colleges and universities are not performing up to par with employers’ standards. Research studies in career readiness have not clearly established definition nor measure of career readiness. In order to equip students with the skills needed to succeed in the work force, it is becoming increasingly important to understand the factors that hinder their career readiness. This study used the Career Thoughts Inventory (CTI) assessment as a standard measure to inform negative career thoughts or hindrances to senior students’ career readiness. Fifty-seven senior students were administered the CTI assessment and scores …

Ethical Implications Of The Affordable Care Act On Employment, Stephanie Anne Brown

Senior Research Projects

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has affected the decisions of many companies across America. Accountants in these companies are constantly concerned with lowering costs in order to increase profits. Firing full-time employees and hiring part-time replacements could help cut down on costs, but management's decisions not only impact the company, but the lives of their employees, their employee's families and the country's economic health. As a Christian accountant, one needs to realize the ethical impact of ACA to make informed decisions. This paper explores whether or not it is ethical for Christians to recommend that a company fire its staff …

Sabbath: The Theological Roots Of Sustainable Development, Michael E. Cafferky

Faculty Works

It is the thesis of this paper that, in general, the points of emphasis by the UN Commission on Sustainable Development are in close, but not perfect, alignment with the concept of Sabbath-shalom in Scripture. Some differences also exist. Sabbath begins at Creation and is the substance and symbol of God’s care for this earth. In Sabbath we rest in God’s sustaining power. Sabbath also is integral to covenant relationships. This means that Sabbath is not merely about care for the environment but also about care for all relationships envisioned by the concept of shalom. Both the creation roots and …

The Study Of Religion In Graduate Degree Programs: Opportunities And Structural Issues, Michael E. Cafferky

Faculty Works

No abstract provided.

Teaching The Gospel From Agency Theory In The Bible, Michael E. Cafferky

Faculty Works

The purpose of this paper is to show how the basic ideas of Agency Theory can be taught directly from the Bible through the use of biblical sheep-shepherd-hireling imagery and in so doing, naturally open an opportunity to lead business students to the call of the Gospel. To pursue this purpose, the paper will briefly review contemporary business scholarship on the concept of agency. Following this, the paper will consider evidence of Agency Theory from the biblical record focusing on the biblical foundations for caring for the economic asset of sheep, the work of the owner-shepherd, and the work of …

The Ethical-Religious Framework For Shalom, Michael E. Cafferky

Faculty Works

This paper explores the ancient Hebrew Decalogue, the Ten Commandments, a traditional ethical-religious framework for business conduct, in terms of its contribution to well-being. Some elements of the Decalogue align with what contemporary scholars believe are generally-accepted moral principles expected of businesses. This paper addresses the question of how all the elements of the Decalogue contribute to the Hebrew concept of Shalom. The purpose of the Decalogue is established in the context of a covenant community of believers. Each of the Ten Commandments is evaluated in terms of its contribution to Shalom.

Toward A Biblical Theology Of Efficiency, Michael E. Cafferky

Faculty Works

This paper examines operational efficiency from a biblical theology perspective. The paper describes operational efficiency in contemporary terms and considers six categories of constraints on efficiency. In pursuing its purpose, the paper reviews six relevant biblical themes including: God's character, creation, covenant, shalom, blessing, and fruitfulness. Five biblical instrumental values and virtues describe how efficiency is to be achieved: truth, wisdom, prudence, usefulness, and stewardship. The biblical theme of agricultural yield provides an illustration of the instrumental virtues and values by which workers achieve and measure efficiency.

Presentation Of Dissertation: Material Weaknesses In Internal Control Over Compliance For Federal Grants To U.S. Counties, Julie Hyde

Faculty Works

No abstract provided.

"Why Do We Have To Learn This Stuff?" Revising Or Developing A Course Using Essential Questions, Michael E. Cafferky

Faculty Works

This paper explores how the concept of “essential questions” can be used as a structural tool for revising or developing a business course such that active learning and student engagement are fostered. The concept of essential questions is different from and similar to the Socratic method. The relationship between essential questions and other course elements is discussed. An example is provided for how this approach was used in a business ethics course taught from a biblical worldview.

Biblical Kingship: Model For Contemporary Business Leaders., Michael E. Cafferky

Faculty Works

A careful study of the biblical references to kingship reveals that accumulation of personal wealth, building military power which could be use to oppress citizens, and convoluted foreign policy were unacceptable. This speaks to our contemporary condition. Furthermore, kings were responsible to, and chosen from, the community, and expected to set a high moral example.

Sabbath & Management, Theology & Application, Michael E. Cafferky

Faculty Works

Without detracting from the importance of setting aside one day of worship each week some scholars believe that the meaning of Sabbath contains broader principles. This paper presents a summary of Sabbath theology based on two biblical themes: Creation and Covenant. It provides support for why managers should consider applying Sabbath principles in their work. Part III shows some of the ways in which this might play out in managerial work.

Book Review Of Sunday, Sabbath, And The Weekend: Managing Time In A Global Culture, Michael E. Cafferky

Faculty Works

If you haven't thought about the biblical meaning of the Sabbath lately and your mind if focused on business, I recommend that you start considering Sabbath now with the help of the book Sunday, Sabbath and the Weekend. Remember the Sabbath! Remembering (Exodus 20:8) and observing (Deut. 5:12) the Sabbath is what the book helps us do by offering a collection of fourteen essays on the Sabbath and what this concept and practice mean in a contemporary global context.

Characteristics Of Auditors Reporting Material Weaknesses In Internal Control Over Compliance For Federal Grants, Julie Hyde

Faculty Works

Are auditor characteristics associated with the reporting of a material weakness in internal control over compliance for federal grants?

Determinants Of Material Weaknesses In Internal Control Over Compliance In Accordance With Omb Circular A-133 For U.S. Counties, Julie Hyde

Faculty Works

What entity characteristics are associated with the reporting of a material weakness in internal control over compliance for federal grants?

Honor The King. Yes, But Emulate The King?, Michael E. Cafferky

Faculty Works

In seeking to discern God's will for their lives, top-echelon Christian leaders would do well to consider the biblical ideals embedded in the concept of kingship. The paper explores the biblical characteristics of the ideal king with the goal of identifying lessons for contemporary top-echelon leaders. It also reviews the connection between creation and kingship and the biblical concept of the Kingship of God, biblical guidance available in the selection, anointing and annual renewal of the king, and the duties and role of the king. It draws lessons regarding contemporary top-echelon Christian leaders in terms of personal traits, behaviors and …

Leading In The Face Of Conflicting Expectations: Caring For The Needs Of Individuals And Of The Organization, Michael E. Cafferky

Faculty Works

This paper explores the tension between caring for the needs of persons and caring for the needs of the organization. Biblical themes and contemporary scholarship are used as a lens through which to better understand this tension as it relates to true integrity. Suggestions are provided for integrating the concepts into leadership training.

Presentation Of Dissertation: Material Weaknesses In Internal Control Over Compliance For Federal Grants To U.S. Counties, Julie Hyde

Faculty Works

No abstract provided.

Sensible, Prudent & Shrewd: Building Blocks For A Theology Of Efficiency, Michael E. Cafferky

Faculty Works

This paper examines operational efficiency from a biblical theology perspective. The paper describes operational efficiency in contemporary terms and considers six categories of constraints on efficiency. In pursuing its purpose the paper reviews six relevant biblical themes including: God‘s character, creation, covenant, shalom, blessing, and fruitfulness. Five biblical values and virtues describe how efficiency is to be achieved: truth, wisdom, prudence, usefulness, and stewardship. The biblical theme of agricultural yield provides an illustration of the instrumental virtues and values by which workers achieve and measure efficiency.

Career In The Marketplace: Is It Appropriate For A Christian?, Michael E. Cafferky

Faculty Works

All settings where productive and legitimate service can be provided are valued in the Bible so long as each endeavor is pursued in a manner that honors God.

Exploring The Fundamental Paradox Of Being An Organizational Leader, Michael E. Cafferky

Faculty Works

This paper explores a fundamental, universally experienced leadership tension of caring for the needs of the individual and caring for the needs of the organization. The paper draws a distinction between the three concepts of paradox, dilemma and tradeoff. It describes the nature of the individual-community tension. It reviews the tension from the perspective of management scholarship and themes found in Biblical theology. The exploration reviews some of the issues that Christian leaders face as they attempt to manage this tension. It concludes by offering implications for leadership education.