The
Industrial Economics Division and the International Centre of
Behavioural
Business Research of
Religion,
Markets and Society: A Symposium
Venue:
Date:
Thursday October 9, 2008
Organizer:
Dr Jonathan Tan
Overview:
The
institution of religion has persisted in society for over many a
century, with
its presence seen and felt. Purpose-built meeting places for people who
share
common beliefs scatter the urban landscape. Religious-motivated laws
are passed
and upheld. Scarce economic resources are allocated, by individuals and
groups,
to the pursuit of religious tradition. Even business decisions, such as
finance
and strategic activity, are sometimes guided by the religious ethos of
managers
and stakeholders.
Three branches of discourse. 1) How does religion, in particular via
one's
religiosity, influence morality, preferences, decision making, and in
turn
behaviour? For example, are religious people more charitable, ethical,
trustworthy,
or less vengeful? 2) What are the implications of specific
institutional
activities, pursued by religious groups and individuals, for the
marketplace?
For example, does doctrine discourage debt or instead promote trust in
informal
microfinance networks? 3) What is the impact of religion on society?
For
example, what is religion’s impact on religious
participation, teenage
pregnancy, or simply one’s happiness?
The
‘Programme’ page contains the presentations and
schedule for the symposium. Our invited speakers are experts in their
respective fields. Although their academic backgrounds vary, they share
the
common interest of how religion affects life. One
of the key objectives of this symposium is to bring together
researchers to
share with us the main issues/ideas of interest and scholarly thought
around
their topics and from the perspective of their fields - a meeting of
thinkers
from different walks.
The
target audience is diverse: researchers from different fields,
practitioners
(e.g. ministers, business professionals, doctors and nurses), students
and lay
people. After
each talk, and at the end of the symposium, there will be opportunities
for you
to interact with the speakers in the fashion of
‘question-and-answer’. There will also be chances to mingle and exchange ideas during lunch and the tea breaks.
Journal:
For
our symposium’s programme,
registration, directions and enquiries, please click on the appropriate
links
on the right-hand-side of the page.