Strategic Management from an Islamic Perspective: Text and Cases

Chapter 11

Case 2: Al Rajhi Banka

The Job Offer

Bilal entered nervously into his professor’s office. He said nervously, “As-salamu’alaikum, sir.”

“Wa alaikum salam,” came the reply. Bilal walked in and closed the door. Dr. Ahmad smiled. “You officially graduated two weeks ago and you still want to see me . . .” Bilal felt slightly reassured. So he explained.

“Well, as you know, my interest is in Islamic management. I have two job offers and I am not sure which one to take. On one hand, my father wants me to work in his business. It’s a small IT company in Kuala Lumpur, so the opportunities to apply Islamic management principles are somewhat limited.” Bilal stopped for a moment, unsure how to continue. “On the other hand, I have been contacted by Al Rajhi Bank. They have heard about Islamic management and they are interested in the concept. They assume that at some time in the future, Islamic management will become popular in the same way Islamic banking and finance has become popular. They are offering five of us jobs as management trainees. It sounds interesting but it is very scary at the same time. Once you mention the words Islamic management, people have all kinds of expectations. I am afraid that I will spend years in a bank wasting my time.”

Dr. Ahmad was quiet for a while. He then asked, “How much do you know about this bank?” Bilal replied, “Not a lot, actually.” Dr. Ahmad smiled and said, “So here is your homework. Find out everything that you can about this bank, write ...