Strategic Management from an Islamic Perspective: Text and Cases

Chapter 4

Organizational Justice

Introduction

So far, we have identified four fundamental problems. Such an analysis is a way of identifying what currently exists in the majority of organizations and what Muslims do not want. However, to borrow an expression from Christopher Peterson, what is good in life is not simply the absence of what is problematic (Peterson, 2009). Similarly, what is good in management is not simply the absence of management problems. It is more about achieving the full potential of the organization as a whole. So what do Muslims actually want when they think of strategy from an Islamic perspective? One popular opinion is that the aim is to promote the maximum benefit to the society (maslahah). Another opinion is that the aim is to achieve continuity of the organization. This can be inferred from a statement of the Prophet (SAW) who was asked which deeds are the most loved by Allah. He said, “The most regular constant deeds even though they may be few” (Bukhari). Although we do not disagree with these opinions, we believe the first opinion is a society-level goal and the second one does not necessarily ensure organizational justice. If an organization has been set up with a noble goal and clear social benefits, but continues to operate even though society has changed to such an extent that the organization becomes a burden, then it is time to close down the organization.

Elements in Organizational Justice

Organizations are first and foremost social systems. ...