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How Religion Shapes Family Business Ethical Behaviors: An Institutional Logics Perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Ramzi Fathallah

    (American University of Beirut)

  • Yusuf Sidani

    (American University of Beirut)

  • Sandra Khalil

    (Notre Dame University)

Abstract

Based on case studies of religious Muslim and Christian family firms operating in a religiously diverse country, we explain the multiplicity of family, business, religion, and community logics in the family firm. In particular, we give attention to the religion logic and how it interacts with other logics when family firms are considering ethical issues. We show that religion has a rule-based approach in Muslim family firms and a principle-based approach in Christian family firms. We also draw attention to the fluidity characteristic of the religion logic, through which family firms interpret the role of religion among other logics in influencing ethical decisions. Our study advances institutional logics literature in highlighting the plurality between and within logics in family firms, and contributes to the growing recognition of the influence of religious beliefs on the ethical behaviors of family firms.

Suggested Citation

  • Ramzi Fathallah & Yusuf Sidani & Sandra Khalil, 2020. "How Religion Shapes Family Business Ethical Behaviors: An Institutional Logics Perspective," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 163(4), pages 647-659, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:163:y:2020:i:4:d:10.1007_s10551-019-04383-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-019-04383-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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