Gestão baseada em evidências em igrejas evangélicas: uma proposta de metodologia e de artefato tecnológico

Abstract

This thesis aims to answer the following question, how can Brazilian evangelical churches apply evidence-based management (EBMgt) to optimize their activities and decisions while maintaining their Christian and biblical essence? In short, our thesis argument is that Brazilian evangelical churches need to become aware of this movement and then establish a Christian approach to the rational and Evidence-Based Management (EBMgt) movement. We also argue that by adapting and using tools, concepts, and practices associated with Evidence-Based Managemem, churches can achieve better organizational results and a better fulfillment of their mission. Thus, we proceed to develop a model for applying evidence-based management in evangelical churches. The thesis is structured in five chapters. The first chapter presents the introduction, along with the justifications and objectives of the thesis. Chapter twe approached through a theoretical essay, sought to understand the theoretical and historical context of quantified rationalization and GBE in Brazilian evangelical churches. Thus, we investigated the theoretical and historical foundations surrounding GBE, using the rationalization and quantified rationalization movements as analytical perspectives. Jis this chapter, we pointed out the tensions between the rational ontological foundations of GBE and the spiritual ontological foundations of evangelical churches. Despite these tensions, the results pointed to the theoretical viability of integrating GBE with churches. Chapter three, developed through a theoretical/applied article, aimed to propose a GBE model adapted to the empirical reality of evangelical churches. After discussing the decision-making practices historically used in churches, we identified that, in addition to the four types of evidence proposed in GBE ( scientific, organizational, stakeholder, and practitioner evidence), it would be opportune to add another type of evidence for GBE to have full applicability in the ecclesiastical context. We termed this fifth additional piece of evidence as "spiritual evidence," and we pointed out that it could be of two cutegories: theological evidence and experiential evidence. The fourth chapter, presented as a technological article, aimed to develop, implement, and analyze the impacts of a technological tool (ofhware) built to facilitate the adoption of GBE in evangelical churches. The main results obtained in the study were the development of the platform and the presentation of the lessons learned in the development and implementation process. Although we developed a functional technological platform, we observed that the path to applying GRE in evangelical churches goes beyond the technological aspect and mainly involves process management, cultural changes, and the training of church leaders for the use and application of GBE. Finally, in chapter five, the final considerations are presented, in which we explain the fulfillment of the specific objectives of the thesis and demonstrate the articulation between the studies carried out. In addition, we show the theoretical and practical contributions, the limitations, and suggestions for future research.