BUSI 750
DISCUSSION BOARD FORUM 3 INSTRUCTIONS
Thread
How does Hardy’s conceptualization of vocation and the “divine economy” specifically connect
with the codified work/job design theory outlined in chapter 6 of Mello (2019), and with the
general/overarching “investment orientation” regarding human capital framed in chapters 1-4 of
Mello?
Type your response in a Microsoft Word document. Your written response must be in current
APA format, double-spaced, and 400–700 words.
Include a reference page and be sure to have in-text citations for the following sources:
At least 2 citations from Mello (2015).
At least 1 citation from Hardy (1990).
At least 2 citations from related scholarly journals (e.g. Human Resource Management
Journal, Journal of Applied Psychology, Journal of Strategic Human Resource
Management, Journal of Biblical Integration in Business, Christian Scholars Review).
This course will be utilizing Post-First in the Discussion Board Forums. For each Discussion
Board Forum, once you have submitted your thread in response to the provided prompt, you will
then be able to read and interact with your classmates’ threads. For additional information on
Post-First, click here for a tutorial.
Submit this assignment by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Thursday of Module/Week 5.
Replies
Reply to at least 2 classmates. Your replies must be typed in separate Microsoft Word
documents. Your replies must include meaningful and substantive contributions to the
discussion. Each reply must be 200–300 words. Include a reference page, and be sure to have in-
text citations for the following sources:
At least 1 citation from Mello (2019).
At least 1 citation from Hardy (1990).
At least 1 citation from a related scholarly journal.
Submit this assignment by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Sunday of Module/Week 5.
BUSI 750
DISCUSSION BOARD GRADING RUBRIC
Student:
Criteria
Levels of Achievement
A to A-
B+ to B-
Failing
Quality of Information
Presented
(60%)
42.3 to 45 points
All questions are answered in a
well-thought-out manner.
39.6 to 42.2 points
Most questions are answered
in a well-thought-out manner.
0 to 39.5 points
Questions are not answered in a
well-thought-out manner.
Professional Language
(20%)
14.1 to 15 points
Professional vocabulary and
writing style are used
consistently throughout the
discussion.
13.2 to 14 points
Professional vocabulary and
writing style are used
frequently throughout the
discussion.
0 to 13.1 points
Professional vocabulary and writing
style are occasionally used.
Participation
(20%)
14.1 to 15 points
Responds to the instructor and
other seminar members in a
substantive manner. Encourages
and facilitates interaction among
seminar members.
13.2 to 14 points
Responds to other seminar
members.
0 to 13.1 points
Does not respond.
Running head: DISCUSSION QUESTION 1
Discussion Question
Institution
Date
DISCUSSION QUESTION 2
In his argument, Hardy (1990) recognizes that each individual is unique and was created
for a specific purpose by God. He posits that humans were created to serve God, which can only
be attained if they serve their fellow humans. Hardy (1990) introduces the concept of Vocation,
which can be defined as a strong love, desire or inclination towards a certain task or profession.
In his version, he suggests that all humans are created in God’s image, to act as his representative
here on earth. As such, we should work hard to serve God, and to serve all people around us
(Keller, 2012). He suggests that Vocation is attained through one position and as such, one does
not need to quit their jobs or career in order to be of help to other members of the society (Hardy,
1990). Rather, one should diligently serve all people in which every position God has placed
them.
Hardy’s argument in regards to the Vocation and the divine economy connects closely
with both the general/overarching “investment orientation and the job design theory by (Mello,
2015). The job design theory recognizes the need for firms to develop highly skilled teams, that
are well motivated and skilled to undertake certain tasks (Mello, 2015). In addition to this, this
theory also recognizes the benefits that result when employees can relate with a piece of work
being undertaken (Noe et al., 2017). For instance, employees feel happy when they perform a
task, which benefits many people. Lastly, this theory recognizes the need to be considerate when
allocating tasks to employees and to ensure that employees are allocated the tasks which they can
perform best. This theory agrees with the argument by Hardy (1990) on the need to identify
employee’s talents in order to ensure that one engages in the tasks which are best suited to them.
The argument by Hardy (1990) also connects with the General investment orientation by
(Mello, 2015). Both scholars agree on the need for organizations to invest ample resources in
ensuring that employees needs are prioritized and that organizations derive the best from their
DISCUSSION QUESTION 3
workers. For instance, Hardy (1990) argues that each person has talents or gifts which they
should use to serve other members of society. Sadly, at times, it might be difficult for one to
discover their talents or to identify tasks which they can undertake efficiently (Keller, 2012).
However, prior experiences, as well as compliments from other people, can help us to identify
our talents, and use them to serve humanity (Hardy, 1990). His argument connects with that of
Mello (1990), who believes that organizations should not just work for its own good; rather, they
should strive to meet the needs of employees.
The argument by Mello, (1990) is based on the belief that employees are a key asset for
any organization, and their needs, whether physical, emotional or financial, should be prioritized.
For instance, they should be provided with opportunities for team building, self-discovery, or to
Horne their skills for the benefit of all people in society (Noe et al., 2017). Hardy (1990) brings
out a similar argument that, as Christians, we have an obligation to support others and to help
them discover their talents and gifts. Hardy (1990) suggests that as Christians, we should not just
be concerned with our wellbeing or with issues that concern us. Rather we should use our talents,
and gifts to identify and to solve issues that affect other members of the society as well.
DISCUSSION QUESTION 4
References
Hardy, L., (1990). The fabric of this world: Inquiries into calling, career choice, and the design
of human work. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans. ISBN: 9780802802989.
Keller, T. (2012). Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God’s Work. New York,
NY: Dutton/Penguin Group. ISBN: 9780525952701.
Mello, J. A. (2019). Strategic human resource management (5th ed.). Mason, OH: South-
Western. ISBN: 9781337887243.
Noe, R. A., Hollenbeck, J. R., Gerhart, B., & Wright, P. M. (2017). Human resource
management: Gaining a competitive advantage. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill
Education.
Discussion Question
Institution
Date
Introduction
Analysis
Summary
