Running head: BUSI 690-DISCUSSION BOARD 1 THREAD
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BUSI 690- Discussion Board 1 Thread
Michael Picardi
June 27, 2014
Liberty University
BUSI 690-DISCUSSION BOARD 1 THREAD
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If a survey was taken of the most frequent employee complaint at many of the larger
corporations in the world who were unsuccessful, one of the most frequent answers would be
that the corporate executives do not pay attention to the needs and issues that each employee
faces, and do not understand their situation. On the other hand, if a separate employee survey
was taken of the more successful corporations in the world, one of the greatest points of
emphasis would be that the decision-makers are completely in touch with their employees, and
take their input into account. Aside from being intelligent business practice, this also
demonstrates a level of humility in top managers to incorporate the input of their lower level
employees, which may conflict with their own opinions. It is in this way that a leader can enjoy
success while also showing humility, and is widely known as “neohumility”. Essentially, this is
humility without weakness, includes characteristics such as self-awareness, valuing others’
opinions, willing to learn and change, sharing power, having the ability to hear the truth and
admit mistakes, and working to create a culture of openness where dissent is encouraged in an
environment of mutual trust and respect, and all transformed to fit the business world (Lawrence,
2008). If this level of humility is able to be reached, an organization will likely be set up for
success.
Another element of humility also includes serving others, as we are commanded to do. 1
Peter 4:10 (ESV) says, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards
of God's varied grace.” When looking at this concept from a business sense, it relates to the way
in which a business and its managers treat their employees. Companies that are seen as greedy
and do not take care of their employees generally do not get the same production out of them as
those companies that are attentive to the employees’ needs and wants. Data has shown that this in
fact correlates to better production from employees. Job satisfaction, quality of work life, life
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satisfaction, positive affect, and negative affect were all affected by treatment at work (Zelenski
et al, 2008). Essentially, happier employees are better employees. As a leader, the most important
asset is the employees, and if their needs are not served, the business will inevitably fail. It is for
this reason that it is extremely important for managers to serve their employees whenever
possible, in order to maximize the success of the business.
1 Timothy 4:12 (ESV) says, “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers
an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” A good leader not only performs
the duties of the workplace in an efficient and effective manner, but they also must set an
example for all employees on how to properly conduct themselves, as well as how to best serve
the needs of the business. Without these traits in a Godly manager, the employee relationship will
not be a positive one. The best decision a leader can make is to put their employees in higher
esteem than even themselves, so that they can best serve the needs of the business. Scripture
confirms this in Philippians 2:3 (ESV), which states, “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in
humility count others more significant than yourselves.” If a manager can follow God’s will to
achieve this, their business can be successful. If they are unable to follow God’s will, then just as
in life, they or the business will not experience the blessings that are waiting for it.
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References
Lawrence, P. (n.d.). Neohumility / humility and business leadership: Do they belong
together?.Journal of Business and Leadership, 2(1), 116-126.
Zelenski, J., Murphy, S., & Jenkins, D. (2008). The happy-productive worker thesis revisited.
Retrieved from http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10902-008-9087-4
