Fasting as an Identity Marker: Ramadan, Secular Organizational Culture, and White-Collar Work in Türkiye
JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT SPIRITUALITY & RELIGION, vol.23, no.4, pp.352-372, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 23 Issue: 4
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.51327/rqxa5165
- Journal Name: JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT SPIRITUALITY & RELIGION
- Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, ABI/INFORM, ATLA Religion Database, Psycinfo, Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Religion Database (ProQuest)
- Page Numbers: pp.352-372
- Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC) Affiliated: No
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to examine the impact of the Islamic tradition of fasting in Ramadan on individuals in organizations located in Turkey, wherein a mostly secular lifestyle is endorsed in spite of the predominant Muslim identity in the country. In this study, a qualitative field study is performed regarding the relationship between fasting individuals and non-fasting individuals within their workgroups, as well as the effect of this practice on fasting individuals. This study aimed to illuminate two essential questions: Do fasting individuals come across organizational or group pressure when they are fasting? Does fasting impact the general well-being of individuals in the workplace? Therefore, this research aims to offer helpful suggestions for enhancing employee motivation and performance in organizations with fasting employees; we anticipate that the findings will promote a more empathetic perspective towards both fasting and non-fasting individuals within the Turkish business context.