The research interests of Dr. Ricks and Dr. Peters naturally gelled together, having conducted work on corporate social responsibility and philanthropy. Both practicing Christians, they were inspired to create their model after reading an article discussing spirituality in the workplace. After recognizing they could develop their concept further, they created a journal article that would later lay the foundation to expand into a book.

“We do a deep dive into the literature of both strategy and theology,” said Dr. Ricks. “This book was written for practicing organizational leaders who identify as Christian, and we use our academic training to write what executives and decision makers within organizations would need.”

“I came from a strategic business lens, and Dr. Ricks has more theological expertise, and you see a lot of that exploration in the book,” said Dr. Peters. “This was an evolution and is something we’re both passionate about.”

Their book model emphasizes four principles: subsidiarity with solidarity, stewardship, support and empowerment, and synergy. These principles discuss decision-making, promoting sustainability and social well-being, implementation, and principles where Christians and non-Christians are supported and empowered for individual growth and organizational success. A five-year culmination of work, the book’s digital release has already garnered interest, with a postgraduate student reaching out to the professors to share their excitement to read and review the book.

“People who are not only Christians but Christian leaders are looking for something like this that is tied to their value system but can most importantly be used in their workplace,” said Dr. Peters.

Dr. Peters and Dr. Ricks’ collaborative book development also supports their work at Xavier and the university’s mission.

“This book has allowed me to find a space that I’ve searched for as a Christian and an academic. We truly believe this book supports who Xavier is as an institution and who and what we want our students to reflect,” said Dr. Peters. “It helps to influence the mission, values, ethics, social responsibility, and leadership that are supported by this type of research.”

“Our book talks about strategy and leadership development from a Christian perspective. What could be more Xavier? It connects our research squarely with the university’s mission,” said Dr. Ricks.

Dr. Ricks and Dr. Peters also shared what the book’s publication means to them. For Dr. Peters, it’s provided an opportunity to share his work with a diverse audience. It has also been an enjoyable learning experience to work alongside Dr. Ricks. With the book’s practical applications, Dr. Peters looks forward to the open dialogue the book can create, as it encourages conversation and great possibilities that audiences and the professors themselves can build upon.

“This book is a culmination and a beginning at the same time. It’s a culminating piece of the work we’ve done over the last five years. I’ve had conversations about it, and people are clearly hungry for this type of information,” said Dr. Ricks. “It’s also a beginning because it has me thinking about what’s next and what’s to come moving forward.”

The professors have already begun discussing their next project in this space and the opportunities to conduct more work connected to the strategic leadership and spirituality field. They are hopeful business leaders and executives will implement the book’s model and that it will guide thought and decision-making processes.

“We’re very intentional throughout the book to showcase that Christianity and corporate activity can work not only together but be beneficial to one another,” said Dr. Peters. “Through a framework like ours, we reinforce and reposition in a way that does not have either one hampering each other but merges them together.”

As faith and leadership are vital to Xavier, Dr. Ricks and Dr. Peters’ work epitomizes the university’s mission and values.

“There’s always this discussion about being your authentic self, yet people of faith often hide that portion of themselves at work. The hope is that Christian leaders can find a way to bring that authentic self to their careers, organizations, leadership, and do it in a way that respects diversity,” said Dr. Ricks.

Click here to order Strategy in His Image.