A Case for Productive Partnerships between Businesses and Religious Organizations: Examples from Coca Cola, Microsoft, Google, Walmart and Starbucks

The core business of religious organizations in the society is to inculcate moral values in the people. Business organizations should appreciate this role as it contributes to the building of a virtuous society. A virtuous society is critical for business success. Moral values provide the foundation for social harmony and order. This creates a climate conducive to business activity and economic growth. Religious organizations play a key role in promoting virtues such as honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, compassion and much more. These are all values that businesses need in order to thrive. A society that embraces these values will be more likely to support businesses that uphold them. When religious organizations are strong, they help inculcate moral values in the people. This in turn creates a climate that is favorable for businesses.

However, many businesses have been hesitant to engage with religious organizations in recent years. This hesitation can be attributed to several factors such as policies that seem to suggest that this kind of engagement is prohibited, the belief in the separation of church and state and the fear of being associated with certain negative stereotypes. 

Let us begin by taking a look at the corporate policies issue. The Coca-Cola Company for instance says: "Our policy prohibits us from becoming involved in the religious activities of our employees, customers or business associates." Microsoft Corporation says: "Microsoft has a long-standing policy of neutrality with regard to religious and political issues." Google says: "Google's policy is not to take sides on public policy debates concerning political or religious issues." Walmart says: "We respect each individual's right to express his or her own beliefs. However, we also expect employees to maintain a respectful workplace." Finally Starbucks says: " Starbucks is an inclusive company and welcomes employees with diverse backgrounds and opinions. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on characteristics protected by law… This includes, but is not limited to: race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, immigration status, religion or creed… "

The reason given by these companies for these policies is that they do not want to alienate any potential customers or employees. This is a valid concern. However, it should not be misread or misconstrued to mean that these companies cannot engage with religious organizations at certain levels. There are many ways corporations can do this without taking sides on religious issues or alienating certain demographics. For example, businesses can support religious organizations through donations, sponsorships, or simply by providing space for them to meet.

A keen look at these same companies would actually show that they have partnered at some levels with religious organizations. For example, The Coca-Cola Company has donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, an organization with religious roots. Microsoft Corporation has given to causes such as relief for Hurricane Katrina victims and the reconstruction of Catholic churches damaged by the earthquake in Haiti. Google has donated to organizations such as Catholic Charities and the Salvation Army. Walmart has given to the United Methodist Committee on Relief, an organization affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Starbucks has partnered with the YMCA, an organization with Christian roots.

A second reason that has fueled the reluctance of businesses to engage with religious organizations is the belief in the separation of church and state. This is however a misunderstanding of the concept of the separation of church and state. The separation of church and state means that the state should not promote any particular religion. It does not mean that businesses should not support religious organizations or that governments cannot engage with religious organizations on some levels. It is possible for local governments, businesses and religious organizations to have productive partnerships. Here are some examples:

The City of New York has a program called the Interfaith Center of New York, which partners with businesses to provide space for religious groups to meet. 

The City of Chicago has a program called the Chicago Faith Communities Network, which partners businesses with religious organizations to promote economic development. 

In 2016, The city of Indianapolis, Indiana partnered with the Muslim American Society to open a new community center. The center provides space for religious and cultural events, and also offers programs that help the community, such as English classes. 

In 2015, The city of San Diego, California partnered with the Jewish Community Foundation to create a new social services center. The center provides a variety of services, including a food bank, job training, and after-school programs.

These examples show that it is possible for businesses, local governments and religious organizations to engage without taking sides on religious or political issues. 

Finally, some businesses have been reluctant to partner with religious organizations because of the fear of being associated with certain negative stereotypes. For example, some people might associate religious organizations with judgmentalism, intolerance, or even violence. However, it is important to remember that not all religious organizations are the same. There are many different types of religious organizations, and each one has its own unique mission and values. Some religious organizations might indeed be judgmental or intolerant, but others will be characterized by love, compassion, and a commitment to social justice. It is not prudent for businesses to avoid all religious organizations because of the actions of a few. Instead, businesses should carefully consider each religious organization on a case-by-case basis to determine whether or not a partnership would be beneficial.

In conclusion, businesses should not be afraid to engage with religious organizations. There are many benefits to doing so, and there are a variety of ways to partner with religious organizations without taking sides on religious or political issues. Religious organizations can promote social and economic development by providing valuable resources and services to businesses and communities. When carefully considered, a partnership with a religious organization can be a win-win situation for both parties. As the businesses benefit from a virtuous society, they can in turn help support religious organizations that contribute to the creation of such a society. In this way, businesses and religious organizations can create a virtuous circle of cooperation and prosperity.