Abstract:
Although perceived religious discrimination has been studied in the past, much remains
unknown about the topic. The focus of this study was the Rastafari religion, because this
religious group has up to now been excluded from research studies. A cross-sectional
descriptive study was conducted with a sample of 80 employees belonging to the Rastafari
religion, chosen from organisations in two provinces in South Africa. The findings emanating
from the quantitative research study indicated that, on average, the respondents perceived to
be discriminated against. Furthermore, a positive relationship was established between
perceived religious discrimination and work engagement. These findings advanced the
understanding of perceived religious discrimination, and the impact that it may have on work
engagement, particularly with reference to the Rastafari religion.
Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The article contributes to the
interdisciplinary discourse regarding perceived religious discrimination, with specific
reference to the Rastafari religion which is a minority religious group in South Africa. Perceived
religious discrimination is discussed and investigated in the context of the workplace, and the
aim was to establish whether perceived religious discrimination influences work-related
attitudes, such as work engagement. Because previous studies have associated perceived
discrimination with less job involvement and career satisfaction, fewer career prospects,
greater work conflict, lower feelings of power, decreased job prestige, and less organisational
citizenship behaviour (Thomas 2008:80), it was expected that perceived religious discrimination
would have a negative influence on work engagement. The findings show that religion
possibly provides individuals with the necessary personal resources to persevere when faced
with religious discrimination, and sustain performance as well as attain success within the
context of the workplace.
