wfn.org | What is a Christian Work Ethic in Taiwan?

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Taiwan Church News 2755, 13 to 19 December 2004
Reported by Lin Yi-ying.  Trans. & rewritten by David Alexander

"The boss often is the biggest violator of the company's rules!" Yang
Kuan-hong, bursar of Taiwan Theological College, pointed out that personnel
regulations cannot be flouted even by the boss, because the resulting
injustice destroys company loyalty among other employees.  He was joined in
his remarks by Mr. Shyu Kuang-yu, General Manager of Starbuck's Taiwan. Shyu
said that respect for a company means the manager will not injure the staff.
This produces unity in the face of competition. He believes that Christian
principles of management put love and good relationships first. In that way
the workplace becomes an arena for glorifying the name of God.

The comments were made in a course, "Christian Work Ethic" offered through
the
lay training department of Taiwan Theological College. Two members of
Taipei's
Sungshan Presbyterian Church were invited to address the students.  Yang and
Shyu spoke about company culture, personnel management and personal
limitations from the standpoint of a Christian work ethic.  Each shared his
own experience.

Mr. Shyu said that because he is the top manager in his company it would be a
conflict of interest for him to push the gospel at work. He said that the
"spirit of Starbucks" in Taiwan is multicultural. Therefore he is reluctant
to
pass judgment on any staff member's faith. He prefers to live out his own
faith by staying away from monthly traditional religion practices at the
stores but offers his blessings and gives cultural background explanations
during the Christian festivals of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Without
attempting to convert anyone he wants all to understand what the holidays are
about.

Mr. Yang believes that managers must proceed by love, harmony, justice and
truth in the world of work.  If these are in evidence, subordinates will see
a
difference between Christians and other managers.

Both speakers asserted that Christians in management positions must not push
people to accept the gospel, but to first reflect upon themselves and the
testimony of their own work habits.   If they are friendly and cooperative in
their relationships with co-workers and perform their work "as to the Lord"
then the spirit of their religion will be evident and attractive to all.

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