Going Niche, But Better Organized

Today Christianity encompasses one-third of the world’s population and is the dominant religion in the most developed economies, but adherence is falling. Islam, dominant in some of the world’s rapidly growing economies which also have the highest population growth rates, has increased rapidly to around 20% of the world’s population and is the world’s fastest growing religion.  Hinduism is also likely to see growth, while long-standing restrictions on worship are being relaxed in Russia and China, opening the way for increasing participation in religions.

Even as some religions grow, fragmentation of beliefs and practices is happening inside and outside religions, as increasing numbers of people embrace niche movements within established religions, “alternative” religions and what may be termed “pop spirituality.”  Beyond religion, the number of beliefs-based organizations is growing rapidly around a diverse set of ideas and experiences, from flat earth to animal rights.The relative shifts in power between religions and new forms of organization will have a strong impact on values, behaviors and other ways in which we organize the world around us. These changes will become more transparent as technological advances allow religions and niche groups to organize themselves better using the internet, mobile communications and social networks.  Managing the tensions, passions and even violence created by belief-based organizations will require leaders of governments, societies and businesses to address the increasing diversity of societies, employees, customers, suppliers and stakeholders in all types of organization.

Questions for Business Leaders

• Will cooperation or conflict between religions be dominant in the years ahead?  What is our role as an organization in contributing to cooperative and tolerant relations?  Why is this important?
• How do we effectively manage and support the diversity of beliefs among our staff, customers and broader networks?
• Advances in technology and science have transformed our world and our lifestyles. How will the major religions of the world handle these changes?  What impact  could this have on our values, business, markets and use of new technologies?

The GT Trend Report: Belief-Based Organizations and Religious Leaders offers insights into major trend among belief-baed organizations as well as profiles of some of the major religious leaders today, providing food for thought as you address these questions.