Abbas J. Ali and Abdullah Al‐Owaihan
The purpose of this paper is to present a coherent but critical treatment of Islamic work ethic (IWE). It explores the nature of IWE in the context of cultural and political…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a coherent but critical treatment of Islamic work ethic (IWE). It explores the nature of IWE in the context of cultural and political evolution and offers a cultural and religious perspective pertaining to organization and management.
Design/methodology/approach
It briefly investigates the economic and cultural conditions that facilitate the emergence of work ethics and the centrality of trade in Islamic culture. The paper, then, reviews the pillars and foundations of IWE and investigates various empirical studies conducted in various countries.
Findings
IWE has economic as well as moral and social dimensions. These along with basic elements of IWE seem to provide the faithful with a sense of worthiness and strengthen organizational commitment and continuity. That is, work is viewed not as an end in itself, but as a means to foster personal growth and social relations.
Practical implications
Offers managers and consults various avenues on how to design teamwork and new methods of change that focus on producing results which reinforce existing commitment and enthusiasm. As justice and generosity in the workplace are considered virtues, issues of a hiring and firing become part of a broader concern with consequences far beyond the organization.
Originality/value
IWE is a multidimensional concept. It links an organization's prosperity and continuity to societal welfare. Its four elements – effort, competition, transparency and morally responsible conduct – have the promise to strengthen commerce and economic progress in today's world.
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Naresh Kumar and Raduan Che Rose
The purpose of this paper is to present an in‐depth analysis of the knowledge sharing enablers and the moderating role of Islamic work ethic (IWE) on the relationship between…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present an in‐depth analysis of the knowledge sharing enablers and the moderating role of Islamic work ethic (IWE) on the relationship between knowledge sharing and innovation capability in the public sector organizations.
Design/methodology/approach
The foundations of knowledge sharing capability, IWE and innovation capability were assessed using a validated survey instrument. A total of 472 Administrative and Diplomatic Service Officers from the Malaysian public sector organizations participated in the survey.
Findings
The empirical results indicate that the intrinsic motivation to share knowledge is significant in the public sector organizations. The relationship between knowledge sharing capability and innovation capability of employees in the public sector organizations was found to be contingent on IWE.
Research limitations/implications
While the study was salient and confined to the Malaysian public sector organizations, it has considerable implications for the development of an optimistic workforce in other regions and across sectors. Cross‐sectional studies are encouraged to further confirm the results.
Practical implications
An understanding of the pledge of the workforce to knowledge sharing, IWE and its consequences for innovativeness facilitates public sector organizations in designing and implementing modernization initiatives.
Originality/value
In response to the substantial need to examine IWE and workplace outcomes in a non‐Western environment, the paper embraces the extent to which IWE sways the link between knowledge sharing and innovation capability in the public sector organizations. Both scholars and practitioners will find the study valuable.
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Naresh Kumar and Raduan Che Rose
The purpose of this paper is to present an in‐depth analysis of the Islamic work ethic (IWE) and its influence on innovation capability in the public sector.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present an in‐depth analysis of the Islamic work ethic (IWE) and its influence on innovation capability in the public sector.
Design/methodology/approach
The foundations of IWE and innovation capability were assessed using a validated questionnaire. A total of 472 employees from the Malaysian public sector participated in the survey.
Findings
The empirical results indicate that the IWE is highly adapted in the public sector. In addition, the respondents collectively declared that the innovation strength in the Malaysian public sector is mounting. The IWE measure was found to be significant with moderate correlation and positive relationship with the innovation capability scale.
Research limitations/implications
While the study was confined to the Malaysian public sector, it has considerable implications for the development of an optimistic workforce in other regions and across sectors.
Practical implications
An understanding of the commitment of the workforce to the IWE and its consequences for innovativeness facilitates HR professionals in designing and implementing change initiatives.
Originality/value
In response to the substantial need to examine IWE and workplace outcomes in a non‐Western environment, therefore, the paper embraces the extent to which IWE sways innovation capability in the public sector. Both scholars and practitioners will find the study valuable.
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Jihad Mohammad, Farzana Quoquab, Zafir Mohd Makhbul and T. Ramayah
Based on social exchange, equity, and other orientation theories this study examines the effect of organizational justice on two dimensions of employees’ citizenship behavior in…
Abstract
Purpose
Based on social exchange, equity, and other orientation theories this study examines the effect of organizational justice on two dimensions of employees’ citizenship behavior in the Asian context. Moreover, the purpose of this paper is to investigate whether Islamic work ethic (IWE) can moderate the relationships between organizational justice and two dimensions of citizenship behavior.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected using self-administered questionnaire. In total, 337 employees from Islamic financial institutions in Malaysia participated in the survey. Structural equation modeling specifically partial least square was used to analysis the hypothetical model developed in this study.
Findings
The finding of this study revealed that justice has direct effect on citizenship behavior directed toward individual and organization alike. These relationships found to be more effective for employees who are high in IWE and weak for employees who are low in IWE. Moreover, the findings of this study provide insight about the validity and reliability of the existing scales pertaining to the study constructs in Asian culture.
Practical implications
The current study enhance researchers understanding about the crucial role of dispositional variables as moderator in relation to justice and citizenship behavior, confirmed the predictive role of organizational justice in Asian context, and stresses the importance of justice at workplace which can encourage employees to go the extra mile and show good behavior toward their co-workers and/or organization.
Originality/value
This is a pioneer study that empirically investigates the moderating role of IWE between organizational justice and citizenship behavior, and emphasized the validity and reliability of the used scales in eastern context.
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Mohammed Abdullah Ammer and Abdulaziz Mohammed Alsahlawi
Islam stresses on the practice of transparency and sufficient disclosure particularly when it concerns the ethical identity of Islamic institutions. This is to make sure that the…
Abstract
Purpose
Islam stresses on the practice of transparency and sufficient disclosure particularly when it concerns the ethical identity of Islamic institutions. This is to make sure that the activities conducted in business adhere to Shari’ah principles. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of Shari’ah-compliant status on the accuracy of initial public offering (IPO) earnings forecasts and to investigate the effect of the existence of Muslim directors on IPO companies’ board of directors on the accuracy of earnings forecasts.
Design/methodology/approach
This study makes use of absolute forecast error as a proxy for earnings forecast accuracy. As obtained from the list of Shari’ah-compliant securities established by the Shari’ah Advisory Council of the Malaysian Securities Commission, the study sample comprised 190 Shari’ah-compliant and non-compliant IPOs. The collected data were analyzed through univariate analysis and ordinary least squares regression.
Findings
The initial findings show that during the study period, the earnings forecasts of Malaysian IPOs are accurate to some level, although such level is still unsatisfactory. The findings also showed that Shari’ah-compliant status and Muslim directorship do not positively affect the accuracy of IPO earnings forecasts.
Practical implications
The findings of the study provide some implications for regulators, financial analysts, investors and users of financial statements, particularly those desirous of investing in Islamic capital market.
Originality/value
The present study provides a new and far-reaching contribution into the debate about the earnings forecasts disclosure in the context of Islamic ethical perspective. In addition, this study is considered as the first study to extend IPO literature by examining the impact of Shari’ah-compliant status and Muslim directorship on the accuracy of management earnings forecasts disclosed in the IPO prospectus.
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Jihad Mohammad and Farzana Quoquab
The purpose of this paper is to highlight the underlying values of Islamic work ethic (IWE) that distinguish it from other ethical perspectives such as Protestant work ethic…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to highlight the underlying values of Islamic work ethic (IWE) that distinguish it from other ethical perspectives such as Protestant work ethic (PWE), Hindu work ethic (HWE) and/or Buddhist work ethic (BWE).
Design/methodology/approach
The present study utilized the critical review approach to answer the research questions. In this regard, guidance was sought from the Holy Quran and Sunnah to understand the Islamic ordainments pertaining to IWE. Moreover, articles related to different ethical systems are exhaustively reviewed.
Findings
Based on the literature review pertaining to the different ethical systems, this study highlights five specific distinguishing values and behavior: emphasis on halal and haram, emphasis on the purity of intention, seeking of employment, the nature of employer–employee relationship and dealing with sexual harassment.
Practical implications
Multinational and local organizations are strongly recommended to comprehend and grasp different ethical background of their employees to meet and satisfy their physical and spiritual needs. As a result, it may enhance and boost the effectiveness, efficiency and productivity of the organizations.
Originality/value
This study has its merits in term of identifying the distinguishing aspects of IWE from other ethical systems. There is a paucity of research that examines these differentiating values. Therefore, the research question “what are the underlying factors that differentiate IWE from PWE, HWE and/or BWE?” is still unanswered. The present research is an attempt to answer this question. The findings of this study will enable the researchers to come out with a comprehensive and complete definition of IWE construct. Moreover, it will be useful to refine the existing IWE scale by emphasizing the distinguishing aspects of the construct.
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Samira Boussema and Lotfi Belkacem
This paper aims to study the role of ethics in the social innovation process and its effect on entrepreneurial passion. It explores the factors that encourage social entrepreneurs…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to study the role of ethics in the social innovation process and its effect on entrepreneurial passion. It explores the factors that encourage social entrepreneurs to innovate by examining the concepts of harmonious and obsessive passion and ethics.
Design/methodology/approach
The database consists of 97 entrepreneurs who benefited from the services offered by the support organizations for social entrepreneurs. The data are analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling.
Findings
The results show that Islamic ethics has a positive effect on social innovation. This effect can be further amplified by harmonious passion (HP). Such passion certainly strengthens social entrepreneurs throughout the innovation process and consolidates the implementation phase of their projects.
Practical implications
This study highlights the importance of ethics in the process of social innovation. Ethics acts directly or through HP to stimulate social innovation. This passion enables taking actions and favors the creation of innovative social projects.
Originality/value
These findings add value to the previous literature by introducing ethics into the entrepreneurial passion theory and exploring new factors that promote social innovation.
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Ahmad Saiful Azlin Puteh Salin, Siti Khadijah Ab Manan and Norlela Kamaluddin
This paper aims to explore the director’s work ethics with particular attention given to the Islamic perspectives and prophetic character toward sustaining the performance of the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the director’s work ethics with particular attention given to the Islamic perspectives and prophetic character toward sustaining the performance of the business organizations. As at now, there is a limited code of ethics that can be a guidance for the business organizations and its leaders specifically.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper examines and reviews the foundation and prior studies on directors’ work ethics and Islamic work ethics. Then, briefly discuss and present a conceptual review of the directors’ work ethics based on prophetic characters, as well as its application in modern business activities.
Findings
Based on Quran and Hadith, this paper proposes that four fundamental moral characters of directors are siddiq (truthfulness), fatanah (intelligent), tabligh (deliver) and amanah (trust).
Research limitations/implications
This paper is conceptual in nature, thus further research needed to empirically test all the characters in actual practices.
Practical implications
The outcome of this paper contributes in way of it can be used and applied by the firm and policymakers to construct a comprehensive code of ethics that based on the Islamic values.
Originality/value
This paper is original as it attempts to suggest the appropriate constructs of directors’ work ethics from the religious studies in the ethics and management literature. These constructs able to increase the integrity and moral behaviors of the directors, which eventually preventing them from a commit in various unethical and malpractices that may obstruct the progress of the country’s economic development and growth.
Mudaser Javaid, Ayham A.M. Jaaron and Nor Hazana Binti Abdullah
The existence of intense competition in turbulent markets confirms the importance of using ethical employee practices in knowledge sharing behaviour (KSB) to ensure organisational…
Abstract
Purpose
The existence of intense competition in turbulent markets confirms the importance of using ethical employee practices in knowledge sharing behaviour (KSB) to ensure organisational growth. This is especially applicable in developing countries' markets where this intensive competition usually results in organisations following illicit practices. This paper aims to examine the relationship between the Big Five personality traits (i.e. openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism) and KSB using Islamic work ethics (IWE) as the moderator.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative research method using a survey instrument collected 182 responses from employees in the Pakistani telecommunication industry. The partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) was used to analyse the collected data.
Findings
The results found that IWE has a positive impact on KSB and a positive moderating impact on the relationship between the Big Five personality traits except neuroticism and KSB. Also, openness to experience and agreeableness positively impacted KSB.
Practical implications
This paper contributes to the field of human resource (HR) management by helping managers in the hiring process or developing employee's personalities. Additionally, policymakers are encouraged to create Islamic values platforms to increase KSB amongst employees.
Originality/value
This study indicates the importance of IWE in boosting the impact of personality on KSB and provides insights into IWE's role in enhancing an organisation's competitive advantages in turbulent markets.
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Rahayu Abdul Rahman, Normah Hj Omar, Asheq Rahman and Ruhaini Muda
This paper aims to study the roles of Muslim CEO, Muslim Chairman and Muslim board of directors in mitigating earnings management via real activities manipulation.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to study the roles of Muslim CEO, Muslim Chairman and Muslim board of directors in mitigating earnings management via real activities manipulation.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 656 firm year-observations from 2007 to 2014 of Malaysian Top 100 firms listed on Bursa Malaysia is used to examine the relationship between real earnings management (REM) and the religious ethical values of Muslim top leadership of the firms.
Findings
The study provides evidence that there was no significant relationship between ethical values and REM measures among Muslim top corporate leaders. However, through additional analysis on sub-sample firms, this study finds that Muslim CEO and Muslim Chairman have a significant and negative association with proxies of REM: RCFO and RPC.
Research limitations/implications
The results show that Muslim CEO and Muslim Chairman are the actors that contribute more control in limiting REM especially in family-owned firms in Malaysia.
Originality/value
This is the first published paper that focuses on Islamic ethical values of corporate top leadership and REM in Malaysia, as previous studies have focused more on accruals earnings management.