Innovation in a Religious Environment: Establishing an Inter-Organizational Network Oriented to the Islamic Market

Abstract

Purpose: Understand the generation of innovation in a religious environment subject to the requirements of Islamic precepts. Brazil stands out in terms of its exports to the Middle East, particularly for items such as Halal chicken, produced according to Islamic precepts. For such business to be viable, an innovative network has emerged, with actors organizing their activities around religious precepts.

Originality/Gap/Relevance/Implications: Business product & process management are preponderantly oriented towards efficiency and productivity (e.g. cost reduction). Notwithstanding, they must comply to additional demands in supply networks where religion plays a major role.

Key methodological aspects: Documentary research, exploratory interviews at the strategic level, non-participant observation of workplaces and production lines.

Summary of key results: Actors are linked by a common goal, both economic and social, mobilized by institutionalized rules and religious principles in the network. Product and process changes are subject to compulsory religious rules, and no change may occur if not aligned to ancient practiced beliefs.

Key considerations/Conclusions: Knowledge transfer and innovation are intertwined with religious rules, guiding product and process changes for both Muslim and non-Muslim network actors. New ways of doing things, however great their benefits in terms of productivity and conferring excellence, need the approval of religious leaders who interpret such innovation, judging the case for acceptance based on the precepts of the Qur'an, i.e. whether the practice is lawful or Halal.