Freight And Scripture

This paper will present similarities and differences between the methods used by FedEx Freight and Scripture’s teachings regarding putting people first. It will offer ways for leaders to develop a people-first culture. Finally, it will provide biblical connections to the values displayed by FedEx Freight and highlight current literature that aligns with these values.
FedEx’s Methods and Scripture’s teachings
Similarities
Fed Ex Freight provided the best equipment and technology for their employees to do their jobs and desired to ensure positive leader-employee relationships (Bouch, 2006). Similarly, the Old Testament commands treating employees well, “You shall not oppress a hired servant who is poor and needy, whether he is one of your
countrymen or one of your aliens who is in your land in your towns.” (Deuteronomy 24:14, NASB). Fed Ex Freight also focused on the leader-employee relationships by defining expectations for leaders and empowering them (2006). Similarly, Jesus taught His disciples, before sending them out to preach the gospel for the purposes of making additional disciples, “And He summoned the twelve and began to send them out in pairs, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits;” (Mark 6:7, NASB).
Differences
FedEx Freight people-first foundation lacked reference to God’s sovereignty or His Kingdom purposes, demonstrating an emotivism approach to ethical decision making (Rae & Wong, 2012).
In contrast, Scripture teaches, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,” (Colossians 3:23, NASB). Finally, Bouch analyzed the leadership problem without seeking counsel from his leaders or peers. Even though Scripture teaches, “Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22; NASB).
How leaders help develop a culture of “putting people first”
Research agrees that leaders are critical to developing a people-first culture. For example, one model recommended that leaders should take the lead to gain awareness, develop the motivations and necessary skills, and then develop activities to maintain the desired culture change (Dana, Muka, & Vishkurti, 2016). Specifically, for a leadership-employee relationship problem, many recommend beginning with employee surveys to develop awareness (Nink & Welte, 2011). Finally, leaders must focus on changing their own thoughts and habits, prior to expecting others to follow (Carson, 2016).
Biblical connections to values displayed by FedEx
Freight
FedEx Freight’s people-first values connect to the values in the biblical, historical account of Joseph.
Notably, when Joseph was Pharaoh’s overseer, he put the peoples’ best interests first by storing up food during the good harvest time to prepare for the famine. Then, “When the famine was spread over all the face of the earth, then Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold to the Egyptians; and the famine was severe in the land of Egypt.” (Genesis 41:56, NASB). Joseph had to make difficult decisions to ensure just enough was available for everyone in need over a period of time.
FedEx Freight’s values in current business/organizational literature There is substantial current literature that supports FedEx’s people-first values. For instance, one article explained how one key to ethical leadership and how it is perpetuated in a company is the aspect of “people orientation…the extent to which leaders show genuine care, respect and support for followers and ensure that their needs are met” (Mitonga-Monga & Cilliers, 2016). Similarly, another research article explained that even those who consider themselves not religious, actually prefer companies that manage by biblical, people-first values (Winter & Jackson, 2014).
Conclusion There is considerable evidence that FedEx Freight’s values have several similarities and a few differences when compared to Scripture’s teachings about putting people first. In fact, the historical account of Joseph in the book of Genesis is only one example. Certainly, there are many methods by which a business can implement this type of culture, but most of the methods hinge on leaders. These values and methods are well supported by Scripture and current literature.