An Assessment of Islamic Work Ethics of Employees in Organizations: Insights from the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to present a critical assessment of Islamic work ethics (IWE) of employees in public and private organizations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The work uses a quantitative survey method to gather the opinions of employees in both public and private organizations in the UAE on IWE. The findings of the study revealed that the ability of a worker to balance his or her personal and organizational needs in the workplace meant success in his religious and organizational life. Also, findings showed that being productive in work organizations should not be tied to the amount of money one gets, and that illicit behavior like stockpiling grains and other essential commodities for the purpose of profit - making in times of need is unethical and un-islamic. This study clearly indicates the need for employees and managers to uphold the Muslim teachings which can be manifested in their daily work attitudes (best practices) in various organizations. The study highlights the various ethical variables that employees believe are essential to work organizations while keeping faith to the Islamic religion.