1. Introduction

Europe's religious plurality is fundamentally anchored in its intricate history, marked by both secularization and persistent cultural-religious identities. Historically, Europe has served as a confluence of religious, linguistic, and cultural influences, demonstrated by the continual migration of populations and the legal status of religious minorities from antiquity to the medieval era [1]. This diversity has served as both a catalyst for violence, exemplified by the Wars of Religion, and a basis for peace and tolerance, influencing modern portrayals of religion [2]. Contemporary secularization theories, including rationalization and socialization, have been essential in elucidating the decrease of religiosity in Europe, with cultural diversity significantly contributing to this phenomenon by presenting individuals with diverse worldviews, thus undermining conventional religious convictions [3]. The growing religious variety, especially resulting from immigration, challenges the secularization paradigm, requiring a post-secular perspective that recognizes the interaction between religious and secular aspects in public life [4, 5]. This methodology is essential for promoting inclusive governance and effectively managing religious diversity, as it facilitates discussion and comprehension among many religious and cultural identities [4]. Consequently, Europe's religious landscape is a complex interaction of historical legacies and modern difficulties, necessitating sophisticated solutions to reconcile secularization with the diverse cultural-religious identities.

The analysis of the impact of religious beliefs on entrepreneurial ethics and cross-cultural business practices in Europe is essential, given the significant influence of religion on individual and organizational behavior. Religion, as a cultural phenomenon, incorporates old moral standards and behavioral regulations that profoundly influence business relationships and ethics [6]. Protestantism has been demonstrated to influence entrepreneurship by promoting ideals such as education and individuality, which facilitate entrepreneurial endeavors [7]. This influence is not consistent among all religions; distinct religious connections emphasize different values, which may either coincide with or contradict entrepreneurial goals, such as adaptability against preservation [8]. The institutional environment, in which religion is pivotal, further influences entrepreneurship by shaping national business cultures and economic development, as evidenced by historical instances of "economic miracles" linked to religious influences in nations such as Poland [9]. The relationship between religion and entrepreneurship is intricate and influenced by values, which are essential for comprehending how religious beliefs manifest in business operations [10]. With the rise of religious diversity in Europe, comprehending these processes is crucial, as they can profoundly influence entrepreneurship rates and economic development throughout the continent [8]. Consequently, examining the convergence of religion, ethics, and business practices is essential for understanding the contemporary socio-economic landscape of Europe.

Religious convictions profoundly affect ethical decision-making among European businesspeople, as demonstrated by several studies. Protestantism, specifically, has been linked to a greater inclination for entrepreneurship than to Catholicism. This is ascribed to the robust commitment to religious ethical ideals among Protestant minorities, which cultivates a more entrepreneurial ethos. In Switzerland, Protestantism is associated with a 1.5 to 3.2 percentage point rise in entrepreneurship, especially among prime-age male entrepreneurs, relative to Catholicism [7]. Research on religious minority from the former Holy Roman Empire demonstrates that Protestantism enhances the probability of entrepreneurship by around 5 percentage points compared to Catholicism [7]. In addition to the Protestant-Catholic dichotomy, the understanding of God influences ethical business practices. Executives who adhere to a monotheistic conception of God generally demonstrate a greater inclination towards socially responsible business operations compared to their pantheistic counterparts [11]. Moreover, entrepreneurs who prioritize their faith or adhere strictly to their convictions exhibit more nuanced ethical judgments on many topics than those who consider religious interests to be of lesser significance [12]. The findings indicate that religious views not only affect entrepreneurial inclination but also impact the ethical frameworks guiding entrepreneurs, underscoring the intricate relationship between religion and business ethics in Europe.

Religious values profoundly impact cross-cultural business practices in Europe by shaping corporate conduct, entrepreneurial endeavors, and customer relations. In primarily Roman Catholic and Protestant nations, religiosity influences the implementation of sustainability reporting assurance (SRA), with Catholic nations exhibiting a greater inclination towards SRA owing to their hierarchical religious framework, which necessitates external assurance to adhere to social norms [13]. Furthermore, religious principles influence entrepreneurship, as adherents of a faith tend to prioritize preservation above adaptability, which contrasts with entrepreneurial values that emphasize innovation. This disparity in value preferences may undermine the link between religiosity and entrepreneurship, despite both groups prioritizing self-transcendence over self-enhancement [8]. In Italy, heightened religiosity is associated with less corporate risk-taking, suggesting that religious principles may foster more conservative business decisions [14]. Moreover, religiosity impacts consumer behavior, as religious subcultures shape purchasing decisions and brand allegiance. Businesses must comprehend these subcultural distinctions to effectively target and engage varied client groups, eschewing uniform strategies predicated merely on religious affiliation [15]. Religious beliefs significantly influence business operations in Europe, requiring a sophisticated comprehension of their interaction with cultural and economic activity in many situations.

2. Theoretical Concept and Discussions

2.1. Theoretical Framework

Religion profoundly influences moral and ethical principles through diverse methods and ideas, as demonstrated by numerous research. Religious traditions frequently establish a framework for ethical discourse, employing scripture, community, and religious experience as fundamental components for ethical decision-making [16]. Religion provides a supportive framework for youth, promoting prosocial behaviors like empathy and moral reasoning, indicating that engagement in religious communities can enhance ethical development [17]. In business environments, especially within Islamic contexts, religion impacts corporate social responsibility by integrating religious concepts into organizational ethics, thus connecting individual religious obligations with corporate conduct [18]. Theories in Islamic thought, including the Mu‘tazilite theory of rational obligation and the Ash‘arite theory of maqāṣid al-sharīʿa, exemplify a type of moral pluralism that reconciles universal moral principles with diverse moral values, providing a sophisticated framework for ethical decision-making [19]. Moreover, the ethics of influence in educational settings emphasize the necessity of restraint and justification in religious influence, indicating that such influence is not inherently distinct from other ethical forms of influence, but demands meticulous consideration to safeguard individuals from excessive influence [20]. These discoveries highlight the intricate relationship between religion and ethics, illustrating how religious beliefs and practices influence moral standards at individual, societal, and organizational levels.

Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions Theory offers a comprehensive framework for examining the interplay between cultural elements and religious beliefs, elucidating the values and behaviors that define various cultures. This theory encompasses dimensions including Power Distance, Individualism versus Collectivism, Masculinity versus Femininity, Uncertainty Avoidance, Long-Term Orientation, and Indulgence versus Restraint, facilitating the comprehension of cultural foundations that may affect religious practices and beliefs [21]. The Long-Term Orientation dimension, which underscores perseverance and frugality, can be associated with religious beliefs that favor future rewards over immediate gratification, as evidenced by research indicating that Long-Term Orientation positively influences PISA scores. The Individualism versus Collectivism dimension influences religious practices, with individualistic cultures fostering personal spiritual experiences and collectivist societies prioritizing communal religious activities. The cross-cultural analysis of the film "The Treatment" underscores how cultural factors can result in misconceptions and conflicts in religious practices, shown by the cultural clash surrounding traditional Chinese therapy inside an American milieu [21]. Moreover, the implementation of Hofstede's theory in Second Language Acquisition highlights the significance of cultural elements in influencing communication patterns, which are frequently closely linked to religious discourse. Cultural factors impact educational procedures among Sri Lankan students, reflecting broader religious and cultural norms. Hofstede's approach offers a significant perspective for analyzing the interplay between culture and religion, elucidating how cultural values influence religious beliefs and practices in various countries.

Entrepreneurial theory includes multiple characteristics, like as behavior, decision-making, and ethics, especially in European environments. The function of the entrepreneur in economic theory has progressed, with initial political economy theories emphasizing the innovative entrepreneur's impact on emerging innovative economies. This progression highlights the entrepreneur's significance in neoclassical economics and innovative systems, indicating that resolving coherence challenges in creative economies is essential for advancement [22]. Ethical issues are essential to entrepreneurial decision-making, as entrepreneurs must include moral principles from the inception of their companies. This proactive strategy for ethical entrepreneurship entails fostering moral courage and identity, which influence the ethical framework of nascent enterprises [23]. The notion of entrepreneurial responsibility delves into ethical dualism, employing normative ethics to comprehend entrepreneurs' deliberate reactions to ethical obligations and their ramifications. This approach underscores the ethical ramifications of entrepreneurial aims and results, accentuating the societal influence of ethical entrepreneurship [24]. Moreover, entrepreneurship theories have evolved to tackle the intricacies of entrepreneurial phenomena, with frameworks such as COSANE and OCEANS providing multifaceted methods to comprehending entrepreneurial processes and decision-making. These frameworks amalgamate many theoretical resources to tackle the issues posed by uncertainty, innovation, and market dynamics [25]. Fundamental principles for entrepreneurial decision-making, including timing of entry, awareness of hidden biases, and utilizing necessity as a catalyst for innovation, offer pragmatic direction for maneuvering through the intricacies of entrepreneurial landscapes [26]. Collectively, these theories and frameworks provide an extensive comprehension of entrepreneurial behavior, decision-making, and ethics, especially pertinent in European contexts.

2.2. Religious Values and Entrepreneurial Ethics

Religious convictions profoundly affect ethical decision-making in entrepreneurship, influencing both personal and corporate ethics. Within the realm of angel investors, religious convictions can serve as a double-edged sword, potentially drawing in or alienating investors depending on the perceived genuineness of the entrepreneur's faith-based assertions. Faith-driven investors generally make favorable assessments when the entrepreneur's genuineness is apparent, while typical investors may respond adversely unless they possess strong religious convictions [27]. In Islamic entrepreneurship, ethical decision-making is informed by ijtihad, innovation, and social responsibility, highlighting the necessity for a context-specific strategy that conforms to Islamic principles. This methodology amalgamates religious and economic principles, fostering ethical practices that are socially responsible and inventive [28]. Likewise, Christian entrepreneurs in rural regions frequently incorporate religious principles into their decision-making, reconciling market and community considerations through a stewardship approach. This integration cultivates a feeling of ethical obligation and communal advancement, regarded as rational and normative behaviors [29]. For-profit, faith-based social enterprises rooted in Christian ethics have obstacles in resource allocation, yet they endeavor to uphold social legitimacy and economic sustainability without sacrificing their moral principles. These firms manage trade-offs by following a model that equilibrates economic, environmental, social, and faith results [30]. From an Islamic viewpoint, entrepreneurship is regarded as an act of worship, with business ethics grounded in the Qur'an and Hadith. Islamic entrepreneurs are urged to uphold justice, honesty, and sincerity, eschewing unethical behaviors like bribery and usury, to achieve corporate success while according to religious tenets [31]. Religious beliefs establish a foundation for ethical decision-making in entrepreneurship, impacting personal values and corporate practices across various faiths.

European entrepreneurs have been profoundly impacted by their faith, which has informed their ethical business practices. The religious dimensions of commerce, as articulated by Vanishvili and Shanava, underscore the enduring impact of ancient moral principles rooted in religious doctrines on contemporary corporate ethics, with Christianity serving as a notable illustration in Europe [32]. The studies predominantly examine non-European situations; nonetheless, the principles articulated can be generalized to European entrepreneurs who incorporate their faith into business activities. The notion of faith-based social entrepreneurial orientation, examined by Munir et al., demonstrates how religious convictions can motivate entrepreneurs to generate social impact, harmonizing commercial objectives with ethical and humanitarian behaviors [33]. The study of religiosity's impact on ethical attitudes towards business, primarily centered on India and China, reinforces the significance of religious practice in establishing ethical corporate philosophies [34]. Although the offered papers do not specify European case examples, the predominant theme is that religious teachings, especially those highlighting ethical behavior and social responsibility, are fundamental to the business operations of faith-driven entrepreneurs. This indicates that devout European entrepreneurs may integrate these beliefs into their business practices, so fostering ethical standards and social welfare within their economic activities.

The ethical viewpoints in business influenced by prominent religions like Christianity, Islam, and Judaism are fundamentally grounded in their distinct religious doctrines and cultural backgrounds. Christianity underscores ideals such as honesty, integrity, and social responsibility, frequently using Biblical teachings that promote equitable treatment of workers and the condemnation of usury, which corresponds with overarching ethical business practices. Islam incorporates ethical and legal values from the Qur'an, highlighting taqwa (piety), justice, and ihsan (excellence), which promote integrity and social responsibility in commerce. Islamic business ethics encompass legal principles including sharia, zakat, and halal, thereby ensuring adherence to religious ideals. Judaism similarly impacts business ethics through its religious doctrines, which encompass various directives and prohibitions that govern moral conduct and commercial interactions. These religious frameworks not only offer a moral compass but also shape modern business operations by integrating ancient moral values into contemporary trade. The comparative analysis of different religious ethics underscores the distinct methods by which each religion shapes ethical business practices, promoting trust and sustainability while tackling the difficulties of incorporating religious principles into corporate governance. This amalgamation of religious doctrines with business ethics highlights the necessity of comprehending and honoring varied cultural and religious contexts in international corporate settings.

2.3. Cross-Cultural Business Practice in Europe

Operating in religiously diverse markets in Europe has numerous obstacles for organizations, especially due to the intricate interplay of cultural and religious variables that affect both internal and external business contacts. A notable concern is the cultural risk inherent in cross-cultural marketing, wherein insufficient comprehension and regard for local religious practices may result in unsuccessful marketing methods and possible consumer reaction [35]. Moreover, the heterogeneous landscape of the European market demands a comprehensive comprehension of national customs and corporate ethics, frequently interlinked with religious convictions. This comprehension is essential for effective cross-cultural management and the mitigation of intercultural disputes within multinational organizations [36]. Communication barriers present a significant difficulty, as religious diversity may result in misconceptions and misinterpretations in business interactions, hence impacting negotiations and daily operations [37, 38]. Moreover, managing a culturally diverse workforce necessitates the cultivation of intercultural abilities and the application of cross-cultural management frameworks to accommodate the varied religious backgrounds of employees [38, 39]. Although cultural diversity offers potential benefits like enhanced creativity and adaptability, these advantages can only be attained if intercultural challenges, particularly those concerning religious diversity, are effectively managed through proficient leadership and management practices [39]. Consequently, enterprises must allocate resources towards training and knowledge management systems to adeptly manage the intricacies of religious diversity in European marketplaces.

Religious beliefs profoundly influence European leadership styles and business practices by instilling moral norms and ethical rules that affect decision-making and company culture. Religion, as a cultural phenomenon, offers a moral and ethical framework that shapes business relations and leadership strategies, with Christianity notably impacting family enterprises, where values and beliefs are intricately woven into entrepreneurial leadership paradigms [6, 40]. The religious influence permeates the wider economic landscape, where beliefs from Christianity, Judaism, and Islam delineate moral principles and behavioral norms, hence affecting business practices and perceptions [6]. The convergence of religion and leadership is apparent in how religious principles bolster behavioral norms and ethical standards, which are essential in cultivating leadership styles that emphasize ethical decision-making and societal responsibility [6]. Moreover, the impact of religion on leadership encompasses not only ethical dimensions but also strategic and operational facets of business, wherein religious beliefs can assist leaders in maneuvering through intricate socio-economic environments [6]. This dynamic is especially pertinent in Europe, where historical and cultural connections to religion persistently influence leadership practices and business ethics, highlighting the necessity of comprehending the religious aspects of leadership in modern European business environments [6, 40].

Entrepreneurs in Europe reconcile personal religious values with secular corporate rules through distinct tactics that reflect the continent's varied socio-cultural environments. The interplay between secular and religious principles is intricate, with several nations implementing distinct models, including secularism, religious states, or hybrid approaches, exemplified by France and the United Kingdom [41]. Entrepreneurs frequently have the difficulty of reconciling their personal religious values, which emphasize conservation and social order, with the entrepreneurial principles of adaptability and innovation [8]. This paradox is seen in major European religions, where adherents often emphasize self-transcendence above self-enhancement, a principle similarly embraced by entrepreneurs, thereby establishing a basis for reconciliation [8]. Impact of religious sentiments on entrepreneurial performance is limited, with variances noted among different religious affiliations, including Roman Catholicism and Islam, influencing factors such as job creation and perceived firm expansion. The equilibrium between secular and religious values is vital for society cohesiveness, as it supports ideological and spiritual consolidation, which is needed for societal unity [42]. Engaging in open discourse and conducting scientific study are advised to effectively address issues and foster peaceful growth, highlighting the necessity for a customized strategy that honors religious freedoms while preserving the secular character of the state [41]. The balance is further muddied by differing levels of religious engagement and types of entrepreneurship, which affect how values mediate the interaction between religion and business operations [8].

2.4. Case Examples: Faith-Based Business Models in Europe

Ethically-driven entrepreneurship in Europe, especially among individuals adopting religious values, is demonstrated by entrepreneurs that integrate Islamic principles into their business ideas. These entrepreneurs promote social responsibility and community welfare, aligning their enterprises with sharia principles that emphasize social justice and ethical practices in financial transactions [43, 44]. The Islamic ethical framework, which influences all facets of life, mandates principles such as the prohibition of interest (riba) and the endorsement of lawful (halal) activities, essential to the functioning of these enterprises [44]. This methodology encompasses not only compliance with religious principles but also the promotion of innovation and social responsibility, as underscored by the function of ijtihad in directing ethical decision-making in Islamic entrepreneurship [29]. Moreover, the individual spiritual experiences of entrepreneurs frequently transform into ethical-spiritual social organizations, motivated by a profound aspiration to enhance the welfare of others and the environment [45]. In Scandinavia, entrepreneurs have been noted to include sustainability into their business models, exemplifying a wider trend of harmonizing personal beliefs with venture goals to improve performance and social effect [46]. These examples demonstrate the effective integration of religious principles into socially responsible business strategies, fostering ethical entrepreneurship throughout Europe.

Religious views can both promote and hinder creativity in a corporate context, as demonstrated by several studies. Religiosity can act as a moderating factor that improves business success via open innovation, especially in micro and small enterprises, by incorporating religious values into managerial practices and entrepreneurial orientation, thereby enhancing reputation and innovation quality [47]. The influence of religiosity on creativity within a business framework is complex. The ideological and ceremonial aspects of religiosity foster business innovation, whereas the experiential, intellectual, and consequential components may impede it, resulting in a predominantly favorable effect in Judeo-Christian nations [48]. On a national level, religiosity is typically inversely correlated with innovation capacity, while certain religious affiliations, such as Protestantism and Buddhism, may have a beneficial impact on national innovation [49]. Conversely, Eastern religious traditions, like Buddhism and Taoism, have been shown to promote corporate innovation in China by cultivating openness to science, alleviating agency conflicts, and enhancing dedication [50]. Furthermore, spiritual capital in deeply religious communities can serve as a catalyst for innovation by offering inspiration and insights from failure, hence fostering uniqueness and distinction in business endeavors [51]. The findings indicate that the relationship between faith and creativity is intricate and contingent upon context, with religious beliefs possibly acting as either a source of inspiration or an impediment to innovation, depending on the cultural and religious milieu.

Successful management of religious diversity in enterprises across many cultural contexts is demonstrated by companies that include intercultural management practices and ethical frameworks. Intercultural management is vital for promoting effective communication and mutual respect among diverse cultural groups within organizations, which is essential for upholding ethical standards and attaining business objectives [52]. In the context of the USA and Africa, businesses have successfully navigated cultural nuances by leveraging cultural strengths and implementing adaptive strategies that respect diverse religious and cultural backgrounds. This strategy has been crucial in addressing economic inequalities and promoting sustainable development [53]. The integration of intercultural ethics, which combines elements of Aristotelian virtue ethics, Confucian ethics, and African ubuntu philosophy, provides a universal ethical framework that supports global management processes. This synthesis helps businesses align their operations with diverse cultural values, ensuring ethical consistency across different regions [54]. Furthermore, cross-cultural management emphasizes the importance of understanding national customs and cultural predictability, which aids in preventing intercultural conflicts and promoting ethical business practices. The development of intercultural competencies and the use of advanced digital technologies are key strategies for managing cultural diversity effectively [55]. Additionally, cross-cultural awareness and tolerance, which encompass various forms of intelligence beyond IQ, are essential for successful business communication and ethical management in multicultural environments [56]. These case studies highlight the importance of intercultural competence and ethical frameworks in managing religious diversity successfully in global business contexts.

2.5. Implications for Cross-Cultural Business Practice

To adeptly handle religious diversity and honor faith-based ethics in European business environments, multinational corporations should implement a comprehensive strategy that incorporates both organizational practices and overarching human rights principles. Businesses should first evaluate the impact of religion on corporate procedures, such as sustainability reporting assurance (SRA), which is more common in more religious nations, especially those with Roman Catholic heritage. This indicates that integrating company processes with the religious norms of stakeholders can improve corporate compliance and confidence [13]. Furthermore, establishing inclusive environments for religious minorities, including Muslim women who don Islamic veils, is essential. This can be accomplished by networking, mentoring, and management strategies that emphasize people-centric methodologies, consequently diminishing discrimination and promoting inclusivity [57]. Moreover, enterprises must comply with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, which underscore the obligation of firms to uphold and safeguard human rights, including religious pluralism, within their operations [58]. Integrating interfaith dialogue into business education and strategic planning can enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, equipping employees for cross-cultural interactions in multinational contexts [59]. Finally, comprehending the changing legal framework of corporate religious freedom in Europe, which mirrors advancements in the United States, can assist firms in navigating the convergence of law, religion, and corporate responsibility [60]. By implementing these tactics, businesses can proficiently navigate religious diversity and maintain faith-based ethics in their European operations.

Religion significantly influences worldwide corporate ethics, especially for entrepreneurs in European cultures, where cultural sensitivity and ethical consistency are essential. Religion, as a cultural phenomenon, incorporates old moral standards and behavioral guidelines that impact commercial partnerships, necessitating entrepreneurs to comprehend these religious dimensions to adeptly navigate the intricate ethical terrain [6]. The incorporation of religion into corporate ethics, commonly known as the spillover effect, indicates that elevated degrees of religiosity are associated with ethical conduct in the workplace, albeit this correlation is intricate and contextually reliant [61]. In Europe, where Judeo-Christian ethics dominate, this religiosity correlates with favorable societal aspects such as economic freedom, gender equality, and diminished corruption, which are essential for a sustainable business environment [62]. Global entrepreneurs must be cognizant of the potential diminishment of cultural diversity when conforming to varying cultural norms and values since this may result in ethical difficulties and the degradation of local cultural identities [63]. Consequently, comprehending the multifaceted character of religiosity and its influence on business ethics is essential for upholding ethical consistency while honoring cultural diversity in European corporate environments [64, 61]. This requires a sophisticated strategy in which businesses reconcile religious incentives with cultural awareness to promote ethical business activities that conform to both local and global standards. Future research in the convergence of faith and business ethics, especially regarding Islamic values, indicates a necessity for empirical investigations into under-explored domains, including the impact of Islamic principles on art, artificial intelligence, labor relations, and workers' rights. This is especially pertinent in Asian nations such as Malaysia and Indonesia, which are pivotal to dialogues on Islamic corporate ethics [65].

Comparative examinations of various religious influences in Europe may yield significant insights, considering the diverse religious environment and its possible effects on business practices. The given publications do not explicitly examine religious effects in Europe; however, they underscore the necessity of investigating new paradigms and incorporating varied perspectives in research. The amalgamation of cyber-physical systems and generative AI across diverse sectors, particularly in intelligent transportation systems, highlights the prospects for novel methodologies in corporate ethics research [66, 67]. The focus on philosophical, sociological, and legal views in future studies indicates that a multidisciplinary approach may enhance the comprehension of how various religious and ethical frameworks impact business activities [68]. By broadening the research scope to encompass these many domains, scientists can enhance the understanding of faith's influence on ethical business practices worldwide.

3. Conclusion

Religion profoundly impacts entrepreneurial ethics and cross-cultural business practices by offering a framework of moral and ethical principles that govern corporate conduct and decision-making. Diverse religions, such as Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism, offer unique ethical principles that correspond with overarching traditions of deontological, consequentialist, and virtue ethics, essential for comprehending cultural variances in international business settings [69]. The Islamic business model specifically underscores ethical practices rooted in the Qur'an and Hadith, promoting fairness, honesty, and the avoidance of unethical behaviors such as bribery and usury, which are deemed crucial for success in business and societal reform [70, 32]. Moreover, religion serves as a social force that shapes multiple facets of entrepreneurship and business, such as consumerism, corporate social responsibility, and organizational culture, consequently affecting socioeconomic development and ethical standards across diverse cultures [71, 72]. The incorporation of religious ethics into business activities promotes a more moral and spiritual society while also improving the sustainability and ethical framework of businesses worldwide. The multi-faith approach is increasingly vital in the contemporary globalized economy, as comprehending and honoring culturally diverse religious influences can enhance the efficacy and ethics of international business practices [69, 71].

Religion significantly influences ethical business concepts and practices in contemporary European entrepreneurship by instilling moral ideals and affecting decision-making processes. Historically, religious teachings have established a basis for moral standards and behavioral guidelines that are essential to contemporary business partnerships [6]. This impact is especially pronounced in family enterprises, which represent a significant segment of the global economy. These enterprises frequently include spirituality and religious principles into their operations, promoting ethical ideals and behaviors that correspond with their religious convictions [73]. The interplay between religion and entrepreneurship is additionally influenced by values, as religious individuals often emphasize conservation and self-transcendence, impacting their business practices and ethical considerations [8]. Furthermore, religion influences the youth, who, through active participation in religious communities, are more inclined to demonstrate prosocial behaviors such as empathy and moral reasoning, essential for ethical business practices [74]. The persistent impact of religion is both a cultural and practical phenomena, offering a moral framework that assists entrepreneurs in addressing intricate ethical dilemmas. As contemporary society reassesses its values, the convergence of religion and commerce gains significance, requiring a more profound comprehension of the influence of religious principles on entrepreneurship in Europe [6]. Consequently, religion is an essential element in the formulation of ethical business models, providing a basis for moral decision-making and cultivating a feeling of community and accountability among entrepreneurs.

Religiously-informed ethical frameworks are essential for promoting cross-cultural understanding and ethical integrity in business by offering a moral compass that surpasses cultural boundaries. Frameworks rooted on Islamic values underscore fundamental qualities such as sincerity, intellect, communication, and trust, which are vital for ethical business practices and can assist directors in upholding integrity and moral conduct [75]. The incorporation of religious ethics into business operations helps mitigate cultural disparities, as seen in the examination of individualistic and collectivist cultures, where religiosity enhances ethical decision-making and idealism among corporate leaders [76]. This indicates that religious beliefs can function as a shared foundation for ethical bargaining and decision-making in various cultural situations. Moreover, the ethical dilemmas in translation and cultural interpretation underscore the necessity for frameworks that emphasize tolerance for cultural variety and collaboration, frequently guided by religious beliefs [7]. In the international business landscape, where cultural beliefs and values may be sacrificed for economic profit, ethics informed by religion can aid in maintaining cultural variety and fostering ethical integrity [63]. The music industry illustrates how ethical practices, derived from religious and philosophical principles, can promote collaboration and tolerance, resulting in a more ethical and compassionate commercial environment [77]. Consequently, ethically-informed religious frameworks are essential for fostering cross-cultural comprehension and upholding ethical integrity in business, guaranteeing that varied cultural values are acknowledged and included into global trade.

Acknowledgements

I am very grateful for the academic tools and research that have inspired this study. My profound gratitude extends to my family for their steadfast support and encouragement during this journey. Your confidence in my work has been a wellspring of strength and motivation.