Catholic Social Teaching and the employment relationship: A model for managing human resources in accordance with Vatican doctrine

Abstract

Using relevant encyclicals issued over the last 100 years, the principles that constitute the underpinnings of Catholic Social Teaching about the employment relationship are extracted and the implications of their incorporation into human resource policy are contemplated. Respect for worker dignity, for her family's economic security, and for the common good of society clearly emerge as the primary guidelines for responsible human resource management. Dovetailing these Church mandates with the economic objectives of the firm could, in essence, alter the firm's nature because profit motivations would be constrained by consideration for worker and societal welfare. Integration of Church teaching with current corporate goals should, therefore, impact greatly on a variety of human resource policies.