The event on Monday, November 8, 2021, focused entirely on the topic of business and religion. Sponsored by the Business School, the interdisciplinary research study explored just how religious and secular values influence family-owned businesses, particularly in regard to their management decisions. After conducting qualitative interviews, the team managed to compile initial findings in this fairly under-researched area.

In addition to a brief introduction about the study, the team presented its initial findings. Dr. Tanja Wolf spoke about family-owned business and the origins and the impact that beliefs and values have on these types of businesses. Assist. Prof. Dr. Thomas Brunner-Kirchmair followed, providing insight into how socio-emotional wealth and religiosity influences decisions regarding mergers & acquisitions at family-owned businesses.

A notable highlight of the evening included an interesting panel discussion under the direction of Univ. Prof. Dr. Martin Hiebl to address what kind of values will drive family-owned businesses in the future. Reinhard Honeder (Honeder Naturbackstube Ltd.) and Peter Augendopler (Backaldrin International The Kornspitz Company Ltd.) took part in the discussion to talk about the values they model at their respective companies.

A reception followed, giving all of the participants an opportunity to discuss the topic further and exchange ideas in a more casual setting.