Managing religion at work: a necessary distinction between words and deeds. A multiple case study of the postures facing religious expression in French organizations

Purpose Religious expression at work (REW) has a unique place in France. The authors studied the perception of postures four organizations face this phenomenon, focusing on gap between official posture and applied by managers. Design/methodology/approach Using qualitative approach, conducted semi-structured interviews (40), observation periods documentary analysis within organizations. This multiple embedded case study was undertaken different firms France: an international private firm, public organization, two small- medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with original models REW management. Findings A distinction aligned non-aligned emerged. There lack alignment only organizations, concerned units analysis: prayer break wearing religious symbols. Several extrinsic factors were identified actually managers: form REW, religion whether it had minority status country, degree clarity posture, formalization size scope company, awareness managers their teams, involvement leaders definition implementation purpose posture. Research limitations/implications research provides sensitive understanding shows that is sought specifically for each REW. highlighted through perceptions. In addition, enables identification influence operational postures. Practical implications These results call to be defended leaders, provision meaning raising among intermediate hierarchical lines, applicable legal framework transpose local level, unaligned forms build strong, shared Originality/value study, which carried out specific French context, concerns areas have received little attention or not been all date, such as SMEs sector, demonstrates first time effective