Conceptualizing work and organizational values from the Islamic perspective

Abstract

Literature suggests the importance of values in influencing one's affective and cognitive processes, which in turn, affects his/her behaviour. In this regard, values are fundamental in directing an individual's motivation toward work and support the formation of positive attitudes, which subsequently influence his/her actions and decision making. The objective of this study is to provide a model that link basic values to work values and organizational values from the predominantly Th* Western literature. It then analyses these conceptualizations against the concepts drawn from the lslamic principles a traditions. The study found that the Islamic perspective views values as manifested from one???s worldview, which is based on divine principles. Moreover, individual and organizational values are developed and fostered through two authentic sources, the Holy Quran and Hadith. Individual and organizational conducts are aimed at achieving worldly superordinate goals of getting rewards from Allah. Conversely, discussions on the concept of values in Western literature generally separated values from one???s religion and deeply held belief, while organizational values are typically derived from the founders??? desire to institutionalize their firms.