Islam and management: What can be learned?

Abstract

Executive SummaryReligion has a major impact on human behavior, social interactions, and social relations. This research article discusses the impact of Islam on managers' behavior. The impact is exerted from the five pillars of Islam: faith, prayer, alms, fasting, and pilgrimage. From the article, it is evident that such pillars have a direct effect on Moslems' behavior. Besides that, the article shows the significant impact of Allah supreme names on managers' behavior and style. Allah names have a direct interrelationship with management functions like planning, organizing, and directing. A Moslem manager, in fact, can use Allah supreme names as a guide to his management style and action. Finally, the article sheds light on major Islamic management principles and their effect on managers' behavior and perception. and is the recipient of several rewards and honors . Most recently he was selected as a Fulbright scholar where he had to teach cross-cultural management courses at Portland Community College,

Human resource management with Islamic management principles

“…Islam is an Arabic word which means to submit to the will of God in words and deeds (Abuznaid, 2006) and the Muslim's ultimate goal is to strive to achieve a peaceful and healthy society by following the guidance of the Almighty God. There is no laizzez-faire in Islam (Abuznaid, 2006), as human activity of any nature is understood in the context of Istikhlaf (vice-regency) because the human being is the vice-regent of God. Hence the purpose of life in Islam is to be a good trustee on earth by doing what is good to oneself and to others in worship of God.…”

“…Many verses of the Quran speak about justice and honesty in trade, and courtesy and fairness in employment relationships, and also encourage humans to learn new skills and to strive to do good work which benefits both the individual and the community. Islam emphasizes co-operation in work and consultation in making decisions (Abuznaid, 2006). Management is crucial in Islam and having a leader is obligatory in most circumstances of life.…”

“…However, evidence shows that foreign business ideas often do not sit comfortably with western management thought (Pollard and Tayeb, 1997) and there is a need for understanding the national contexts in which management is practiced in different countries. The problem is that management in Arab countries is also (Abuznaid, 2006). Islam is juxtaposed with Arab tribal culture, resulting in the modification of principles such as the authoritative nature of management that run counter to the Islamic teaching of consensus and consultation, as it will be explained later.…”

“…3) To examine the significant impact of religion (Islam) on work behaviour and HRM policies and practices because this factor has received meagre attention from researchers in the past (Bourma et al, 2003) although it is often argued that religion has a direct and significant impact on human behaviour, including social interaction and social relations (Abuznaid, 2006). Comparatively little is currently known concerning HRM practices in the Middle Eastern region and how such practices are being affected by religion and other internal and external factors.…”

Possibility of Applying Arabian Management Theory

“…This indicates that Arabian management theory is possible to be applied in the Arab nations. The researcher concludes that applying Arabian management theory required recruit and hire leaders who believe in Islamic values and Arab culture due to the effect of the pillars of Islam on managers' style and behavior (Abuznaid, 2006). …”