Dr. Delbecq mixes religion, business
Campus Times
March 13, 1998
After presenting his Fasnacht lecture on "The Challenges of Spirituality
and the Executive Life," Dr. André Delbecq was approached by
Sister Mary Dennis Peters, public services librarian for the Wilson Library,
(right) and Ruth Fasnacht, widow for former president Harold Fasnacht. Both
praised his desire to define and increase the role of religion in positions
of leadership. Delbecq, shared his admiration for the Fasnachts, who oversaw
many ULV campus renovations under Fasnacht's presidency from 1948 to 1968.
Dr. Delbecq told Fasnacht that "without you, I would not be here today."
Dr. André Delbecq gave his first public and formal presentation
on "The Challenges of Spirituality in Executive Life," in Founders
Auditorium on Tuesday.
Dr. Delbecq is a scholar in management. He said that people always ask
him why a scholar in management would take a 12 month sabbatical researching
the role of spirituality. The reason is because many people were requesting
a spirituality class, but nobody offered to teach it. Therefore, Dr. Delbecq
volunteered to take the job himself.
"My purpose is to develop a course in an MBA program," said
Dr. Delbecq. "How undergraduates will be involved is not known yet."
He chose to relate the topic of spirituality to the business world.
"Leaders worldwide are dealing with heavy burdens at work. We are ruthlessly
critical of leaders, when they are trying to bring us organizations where
the goods benefit the society," Dr. Delbecq said.
These same leaders are constantly dealing with challenges in the work
force, money and competition. Dr. Delbecq wants these individuals to find
peace and meaning in their lives. He wants them to come to an understanding
of a life beyond money.
Finding this peace and meaning is done through the process of spirituality,
as Dr. Delbecq said.
Part of his definition of spirituality was "the personal experience
in the transcendent mystery." This definition can be understood when
the individual goes through meditation, prayer and other religious traditions.
Dan Campana, associate professor of philosophy and religion, said, "It
is nice that such a well known authority would take a whole year of his
life to make an impact on the life of others."
Making a connection between businessmen and spirituality, is what Assistant
Vice-President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Al Clark, found interesting in Dr.
Delbecq's research.
Dr. Clark said, "We always think of businessmen as tough aggressive
moneymakers who do anything to make a dollar, yen, or pound. They will fire
employees, hurt the environment, and accept bribes." He said that the
meditation and prayer will help them understand their lives beyond money.
This spirituality in the business world will prevent "leadership
that is dead at it's heart." said Dr. Delbecq.
