Most people find religion an extremely difficult subject to discuss. In some societies it is considered blasphemy even to mention the name of one's god. Nevertheless, religion is an aspect of the culture that the international manager must consider. Although very few religions influence business activities directly, the impact of religion on human value systems and decision making is significant. More immediately, one's religion to some extent dictates one's consumption habits, both in terms of amount and in terms of types of goods consumed.
Religion is a socially shared set of beliefs, ideas, and actions that focus on a reality that cannot be verified empirically, yet is believed to affect the course of natural and human events. The world's main religions can be classified into six categories (see Figure 4.3): (1) nonliterate religions; (2) Hinduism; (3) Buddhism; (4) Islam; (5) Judaism; (6) Christianity.
Whereas most businesspeople who are briefed for a business trip abroad are advised about the eating and drinking habits of the people they plan to visit, few receive an organized introduction to the country's religions. Avoiding the social embarrassment that may be encountered as a result of not knowing another's religious beliefs and traditions is only one of the reasons to carefully study the religious makeup of a country in which one intends to do business. Religious holidays and preparations for major religious events can have tremendous implications for production schedules, delivery deadlines, unloading of ships, and other operating practices.
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