Islamic concept of management

MANAGEMENT has now been defined as “getting things done through others.” Following this concept, a manager is understood as one who works through others. And a good manager is considered to be the one who knows not only what is to be done but also how to get it done.

The Quran says: “And we raised some of them over others in ranks so that some of them take work from others” (43:32). The verse explains in a nutshell as to why Allah raised some people over others in rank.

This, according to the verse, has a definite object and that is that those placed in higher ranks are able to take work from those placed in lower ranks under them.

The verse, inter alia, encompasses the whole philosophy of modern management. It emphasises, in essence, the creation of appropriate hierarchies and the division of responsibilities, with those in the higher ranks charged with the responsibility of taking work from those in the lower ranks. This, in other words, implies the creation of organisations with appropriate hierarchies.

Thus what is called the most modern concept of management was, in fact, spelled out by the Quran in clear terms more than fourteen hundred years ago, and also the institutional framework, namely, the organisation with hierarchies, and other elements for putting that concept into practice. Those elements are:

Obedience to and respect for authority: obedience to, and respect for, authority, could be the basic requirement of taking work from others. Those from whom work is taken must obey all lawful and reasonable orders of those who are charged with the responsibility of taking work from them if the work is to be done in a proper way.

Working through people, in fact, presupposes the willingness of people to obey the orders of those who work through them.

The Quran says: “Obey Allah and His Messenger and those in position of authority among you” (4:59). The verse, as may be seen, gives the highest possible priority to obedience to persons in authority.

It, in essence, promotes the spirit of voluntary obedience. By doing so it strengthens the scope of hierarchy as envisaged by the above verse (43:32). Without the spirit of voluntary obedience among those who work, the creation of hierarchy will not serve any purpose.

Joint consultation and team work: the modern world realised the importance of joint consultation and team work when the Japanese management style proved to be one of the most effective in the world. Joint consultation with team work as its hallmark is one of the main features of Japanese management style.

To many in the world it seems to be a new technique. But very few may be aware that the Quran advocated this concept fourteen hundred years ago when, while enumerating some of the attributes of true believers, it said “and those who do their work through mutual consultation” (42:83) and also advised the Prophet to consult his companions in the conduct of affairs (3:159).

Principles of equal opportunities: an important principle on which the success of management process largely depends is the principle of equal opportunities. It postulates that all the members of an organisation shall have the same or similar opportunities to work to get developed, to grow, to contribute and be accordingly rewarded.

The Quran lays due emphasis on the observance of this principle when it says “O people We created you from a single male and female couple and then divided you in nations and tribes so that you may recognise one another.

Verily the most honourable among you in the sight of Allah is he who is most righteous of you” (49:13).Explaining the above verse on the occasion of Hajat-al-Widaa, the Prophet (PBUH) said: “In the light of this Quranic verse no Arab has any superiority over a non-Arab nor any non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab. Neither black is superior to white nor white is superior to black. Of course, if there is any criterion of superiority and respectability in the sight of Allah it is Taqwa (righteousness).”

It means that despite being basically equal, the human beings can yet excel each other in certain aspects of life.

One such aspect as pointed out by the Quran could be honour in the sight of Allah the criteria for which, according to the said verse, could be righteousness, a standard which every one can possibly attain if he so desires.

There can be no better pattern of equal opportunities than the one spelled out by the above Quranic verse. In the realm of management, it would mean that the criteria for entitlement to any benefit, reward, position or status shall be such that any one having the requisite qualifications and experience should have an equal opportunity to get or attain it. This will obviously go a long way towards maintaining the requisite degree of harmony in the work environment conducive to the smooth working of the management process.

Motivation and commitment: making people do what they are supposed to do, inter alia, requires a certain degree of commitment which can be achieved only when they are duly motivated. It is an established fact that the way a manager behaves or deals with the subordinates determines the level and vitality of their motivation and commitment to a great extent.

The Quran says: “(telling the Prophet) If you had been stern and fierce of heart they (the companions and followers) would have disappeared from around you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the conduct of affairs” (3:159). The verse emphasises two things.

One is compassionate and sympathetic behaviour towards the companions and followers and the other is the adoption of participative approach in dealing with them which means consulting them and allowing them to participate in taking certain decisions.

Both of these elements can play vital role in motivating subordinates and inculcating in them the spirit of commitment in the employment and any work situation and can, therefore, be of utmost importance to the success of management process

DAWN, from the issue of 9th Feb,2007