An exploratory study of organizational flexibility in Malaysia: a research note

Abstract

This note reports on an exploratory study examining the relationships between rules on employee behaviour and on management discretion and other aspects of organizations in Malaysia. Using the data from thirty-ve Malaysian organizations, the authors highlight the differences between the implications of the rules for the two groups and their relationships with company performance.

Relationship between the Islamic Work Ethic and the Love of Money

“…The IWE is a phenomenon that is built on such notions as good intention, faith (being closely acquainted with truth, and know it with evidences), beneficence (doing something without expecting a personal gain), purity (sincerity), restoration (demanding perfection), taqwa (constantly protecting oneself from wrong behaviours), fairness, safety (having responsibility), being patient, sober-mindedness, keeping one's promises, being accountable, being consistent, being disciplined, being clean, dedication and solidarity, all of which are mentioned in the Qur'an (Alhabshi and Ghazali, 1994: 40). The IWE brings equality, honesty, consensus and "sincerity in one's working life" (Mansor and Ali, 1998). Furthermore, it suggests a lifestyle in which there is no hierarchy in society or the workplace; in which decisions are taken as a result of negotiations made with the participation of the relevant parties; and in which employees work with sincerity and honesty, being not only responsible to the employer, but also to Allah (Mansor and Ali, 1998).…”

Can Top-Down and Bottom-Up be Reconciled? Electoral Competition and Service Delivery in Malaysia

“…Some observers have added a third, cultural factor: the premium which Malaysian society arguably places on authority. It is identified by Andaya and Andaya (2001) and Mansor and Ali (1998), among many others. It is denied by Brown (2005b) and Jesudason (1995).…”

The Effects of Islamic Work Ethics and the Ethics of Love of Money over the Perception of Smuggling: The Example of the Alanya Tradesmen

“…The IWE helps introduce equality, honesty, consensus, and "sincerity in one's working life" (Mansor & Ali, 1998). Furthermore, it suggests a lifestyle where there is no hierarchy in the society or workplace; where decisions are taken as a result of negotiations made with the participation of the relevant parties; and where employees work with sincerity and honesty, thereby not only being responsible to the employer but also to Allah (Mansor & Ali, 1998).…”

“…Furthermore, it suggests a lifestyle where there is no hierarchy in the society or workplace; where decisions are taken as a result of negotiations made with the participation of the relevant parties; and where employees work with sincerity and honesty, thereby not only being responsible to the employer but also to Allah (Mansor & Ali, 1998). Beekun and Badawi (2004) emphasize the importance in the IWE of commitment and obedience to the leader which, rather than being in a blind state of obedience to seniors or employers, is a state of commitment where decisions are taken mutually by seniors and juniors.…”