The Attitudes Assumed by Christian Business Leaders in Poland on the Basis of Selected Literature of the Subject

Abstract

The subject of the article are the moral attitudes assumed by Christian business leaders in Poland. The study is focused on one of the key components of the attitude, that is the various motivation processes. The following research question was asked: What are the religious and moral motives for the attitudes assumed by business leaders towards professional challenges? The central thesis of the work is contained in the statement that in Poland there are enterprising Christians who, despite the unusually difficult professional challenge, which is reconciling business and religious-moral aims, want to behave in a harmonious way and with their lives they bear witness that it is possible – thanks to God's grace – to overcome the temptation of living „a divided life”.

The answer to the study question was obtained by reviewing and analyzing the contents of selected responses given by Christian business leaders in Poland that were contained in testimonies published as part of minutes of conferences organized by the John Paul II Pontifical University of Krakow and the „Talent” Pastorate for Entrepreneurs and Employers. The other source was the report containing responses to the Internet questionnaire drawn up by the „Talent” Pastorate, that were given on 9-20 September 2011 (64 respondents answered the questions). In his analyses the author focused on the contents of the statements given by those business leaders in Poland who unambiguously referred to the Christian faith they profess, showing its positive influence on their personal and professional life. Hence the article should only be treated as a contribution to further deepened and broadened studies of this professional group.

The study that has been made allows drawing the conclusion that in the Polish world of business there are people for whom besides economic efficiency (which is undoubtedly the aim of business) also spiritual aims are important, that is, eternal salvation, fulfilling God’s will, praising God, sanctifying the time; and at the same time they attempt to put into effect such moral values as: caring for a clear conscience, trust, responsibility, honesty, respecting the employees' dignity (despite their human inclination to do evil), encouraging others to develop, joy, a balance between the professional and the family life.