In the book The Essential Drucker, Peter Drucker, one of the icons of organizational management theory, wrote:
Asked what a business is, the typical businessman is likely to answer, “An organization to make a profit.” The typical economist is likely to give the same answer. This answer is not only false, it is irrelevant . . . There is only one valid definition of business purpose: to create a customer.[i]
In research by James Collins and Jerry Porras,[ii] they reported that one of the traits of organizations that last more than one generation is an enduring purpose. An enduring purpose can never be fully accomplished. It provides a multigenerational unchanging reference point for guiding organizations.
The above thinking by these popular pundits has merit, but a Christian worldview is needed to provide increased clarity. For example, the idea of creating a customer is not creation ex nihilo as God created the universe. Rather, to create a customer means to find those the organization is called to serve and the methods by which the organization serves the customer. Furthermore, a biblically sound, enduring purpose is one aligned with the will and ways of God as mandated in James 4:13−17.
Christians are charged to live under the Lordship of Jesus. He is, therefore, Lord of all, including organizations and the enduring purpose of each organization. There are no exceptions.
One of the challenges to Christian thinking over the past three hundred years, is the presumption that reality exists independent of God. This has caused people to believe in secularism. Based on secularism, many wrongly contend that there is secular education, secular government, and secular business. This is a ruse—a lie.
Christians must be clear that the predicate of secularism is incompatible with Scripture. The starting point of biblical revelation is creation ex nihilo by the sovereign God of the universe. Everything that exists finds its origin in him and is under his authority. There is no secular knowledge, no secular government, and no secular business.
There is, however, rebellion against the Creator and his authority, but mankind’s rebellion does not negate the sovereign rule of God over his creation. God is patiently forbearing judgment according to his purpose. But the rebellion will be extinguished by God at his sovereign pleasure. In the end, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord.[iii]
Therefore, the enduring purpose of an organization is not primarily to make money or produce jobs but to align with the will of God. True wisdom from any pundit must incorporate this reality.
Here is your business tip. Wise organizational leaders and managers understand that Jesus is Lord and resist the temptation to presume that anything exists outside of his sovereign control. Accordingly, they understand that every person and organization is accountable to Christ. Organizationally, this means that to the best of their ability every aspect of the organization should be aligned with the will of God. This includes the enduring purpose of the organization.
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[i] Peter F. Drucker, The Essential Drucker: The Best of Sixty Years of Peter Drucker's Essential Writings on Management (Collins Business Essentials), 18, 20. HarperCollins Kindle Edition.
[ii] James Collins and Jerry Porras, Built to Last (Harper Business Essentials: 1994).
[iii] Philippians 2:11.
