The Theology and Ministry Program of the School of Humanities invites you to the oral defense of the M.A. Thesis entitled “FAMILY BUSINESS LEADERSHIP ACCORDING TO CATHOLIC SOCIAL THOUGHT: Sustaining the Commitment to Justice” by LICIANNE JIORE Y. GO on 18 March 2025, Tuesday, 3:00 p.m. at the Tipanan ni San Ignacio, DLC 201, 2/F Dela Costa Bldg., Loyola School of Theology. The Board of Examiners is composed of Stephanie Ann Puen, Ph.D. (Adviser), Fr. Eric Marcelo Genilo, S.J., S.T.D. (Second Reader/Principal Examiner), Ana Maria Faustino, Ph.D., and Fr. Dennis Cagantas, Ph.D. The defense is being held in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Arts in Theological Studies specializing in the field of Systematic Theology. It is open to the public.
Abstract: As business and commerce become increasingly integrated into society, the choices businesses make hold significant power to shape societal outcomes. In the Philippines, where 79% of the population identifies as Catholic and 80% of businesses are family-owned, the intersection of faith and business is particularly relevant. Yet, when business leaders are trained to prioritize financial and operational efficiency over ethical and moral considerations, how can businesses be consistent with a Catholic identity?
This thesis explores how Filipino Catholic family business professionals can navigate the complexities of modern business while remaining faithful to their Catholic values. It examines the realities that make it difficult for Filipino Family Businesses to align business practice with Catholic values along with foundational concepts from Catholic Social Teaching to offer practical principles that can guide family businesses in orienting their operations toward serving the common good.
