When we discuss redemptive entrepreneurship, we mainly think of Christ-oriented businesses and how they are changing the world for good. However, other companies with more standard business models like the impact model or financial model can still do good work to encourage Christ-oriented behavior and Godly activity.
One of my favorite stores, Target, can be used as an excellent example of not being a specifically Christian business, but still showing God on earth through their ethical practices, what they believe, and how they act on a day-to-day basis. Target is a “purpose-driven company” with a strongly emphasized “code of ethics” that each member of their company follows. They are also committed to supplier diversity and source all their materials and products responsibly. Target’s code of ethics includes exhibiting honesty through their actions, complying with all laws, seeking guidance about what is right, and reporting any suspected concerns or violations. Target’s code of ethics also states, “By holding ourselves and each other accountable to these standards, we deliver on our brand promises while deepening the trust of our guests, team members, stakeholders and communities.” This demonstrates that Target places a high value on how their employees conduct themselves.
In addition to their code of ethics, Target also promises to ethically source all their products and materials. All teams in Target aim to make sure that all their suppliers produce their goods using the highest ethical standards. Target always evaluates where their products come from and adjust for many factors that affect how their goods are produced. They even say that they always look for opportunities to improve their processes and standards. This part of Target’s philosophy shows that they place an importance on where they source their products and how they market them to their customers.
Finally, Target is committed to supplier diversity and giving equal opportunities to everyone who works there. Their relationship with their suppliers is key to how they operate. Target has set clear goals towards supplier diversity and creating an inclusive culture through their brand. Even looking at what products are marketed and their advertisements, you can see that Target includes a wide range of customers and includes everyone. While many companies claim to have supplier and customer diversity, Target is one place where you can truly see it from the inside and out.
As you can see, just because a company is not oriented towards Christ, does not mean that they cannot embody Jesus through their actions. Target may be a leading example in this type of company who shows Biblical principles without being Christ-centered, but there are many other businesses who are pioneering this type of business. Hopefully we can look towards a more Christ-centered future led by all types of businesses.
My Choice is a pregnancy center that is essentially the Pro-Life alternative to Planned Parenthood.…
Brio Magazine is a Christian magazine for teen girls from middle to high school age.…
Charity: Water is a nonprofit organization that brings clean and safe drinking water to those…
Tegu is a magnetic wooden block that has been around for centuries. However, it took…
One of the most important business methods I learned this semester in my redemptive entrepreneurship…
View Comments
I thought it was interesting to read about how Target is able to include "biblical" practices while not being explicitly Christian. I think that businesses that are so ethical are a great opportunity for Christians to work for a business and easily apply redemptive views to their work without too much resistance.
I agree strongly with the comment above, but I do not believe that we as Christians should settle with worldly things just being good. We are called to take the word to all and redeem all. I do think it would be extremely hard though to convert Target to having true redemptive impact, but working for them and having a redemptive impact is much more tangible.
Great post, this left me with a lot to think about! Target was a great example to use because while you might not need to be redemptively focused you can still be a moral and ethical company that shines Gods light in ways that are just being good stewards and loving your neighbor. It doesn't take remodeling an entire company to just embody Christ. Every company can do this is very small but meaningful ways.
It is true that there are many companies out their that are not directly affiliated with Christianity but still embody redemptive or Christian qualities without necessarily trying. If you would rather have a company like Target rework itself into a fully-Christian company, I would say that this is likely going to be more trouble than it would end up being worth (depending on the changes that you would make). You are more likely going to have an easier time spreading the message of Christianity through individual employees and their actions with customers rather than by changing the message of the company as a whole.
I think it is very difficult for such a large company with tons of varying manager outlooks across the country to move towards being redemptive. I however 100% believe Christian managers and employees at Target can act redemptively in the midst of a secular company. You never know how you can positively influence fellow employees and customers during everyday work. A redemptive culture is certainly something to strive towards slowly building even in non Christian settings.