Employee Motivation Through An Islamic Lens: Integrating Spiritual And Material Tools For Workplace Success

Abstract

This paper attempts to describe and explore effective tools for employee motivation from the perspective of Islam as outlined through various verses of Holy Quran and sayings of the Holy prophet (PBUH) using the existing and available review of literature. The fundamental theory of Motivation given by Abraham Maslow describes five essential human needs on the basis of the notion that humans want more and more. The uniqueness of the Islamic stand point is that in addition to the material dimensions, it highlights spiritual tools, like iman, tawbah, taqwah and ihsan. The phenomenon of Motivation has been specifically studied because of its immense importance and contribution towards the success of organizational activities as a motivated and dedicated Muslim worker would produce more efficient results than a non- motivated and disloyal one. According to Islam, the former has double rewards both in this world and the life hereafter because owing to the purity in faith, love and fear for God, all good work done by him is to please Allah Almighty. Extant literature is available on the concept of Motivation especially the traditional view inspired from the Western perspective. However, limited literature is found with specific reference to Islamic perspective, so this study adds contribution to theory by providing an integrated review of the employee motivating tools in the light of Islam. Also, this study has practical implications for managers who are directly involved in the Muslim employees handling processes, like motivation in both Islamic and non- Islamic organizations.

Keywords: Employee, motivating tools, Islamic perspective, Western perspective.