ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the Bahá’í texts relating to work and business, which are considered in light of the experience of Bahá’ís who apply them to real-life situations. Topics include general guidance on ethics, wealth, service, resources, consumption, social responsibility, and prosperity. For the individual, Bahá’í texts explain that work undertaken in the spirit of service is considered to be worship and thus has a spiritual as well as a utilitarian purpose. The chapter considers the Bahá’í attitude to wealth, particularly in the context of one’s personal economy, living a coherent, balanced life, and promoting material well-being, in contrast to materialism and consumerism. A number of occupations and careers are mentioned in the Bahá’í texts as being of service to humanity. The chapter reviews the guidance given to businesses and looks at the social conditions relating to work and business, e.g. the environment and sustainable business practices, racism, the emancipation of women, unemployment, the market economy, and competition. Business ethics and work values are the responsibility of employers, employees, and the political-legal framework which together must uphold economic justice in the workplace and foster honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity.
