ISLAMIC MANAGEMENT DECISION PROCESS:
The Essence of Leader’s or Manager’s Job
[Summary of Series of Lectures on Islamic Management by Mr SHAYA’A OTHMAN]
“If we as Muslim Leaders and Managers practice this Islamic Management Decision Process, I am sure Muslims Nations, Muslims Organizations, and Muslims Families, will become models for others to follow. But the situation generally today is otherwise”.
Decision Making is the essence of leader’ or manager's job. In carrying out the 5 functions of management in relation to effectively and efficiently utilizing all the resources [see SHAYA'A OTHMAN ISLAMIC MANAGEMENT MODEL as discussed in earlier post], many decisions have to be made. Thus it is essential for a leader or manager to understand what is meant by DECISION MAKING.
As shown in the following DECISION MAKING MAPPiCXS, a manager needs to understand the following:
1. Decision Making Process
2. Manager as Decision Maker
3. Decision Making for Today's World
4. Decision Making from Islamic Perspective.
Herewith, I would like to highlight the effective element of "CONSULTATION" which you may notice is not being included in the Management Process as being advocated by management gurus.
Management from Islamic perspective, "CONSULTATION" is the essential element before any decision is being made. Examine and digest the following MATRiCXS and you will understand why "CONSULTATION" has to be included in the DECISION MAKING PROCESS.
God [Allah the one and only God] the Most Gracious & Merciful, mentioned in the Holy Quran S3:159 [ The only Authentic & Unadulterated Holy Book from God to mankind as guidance] about the Process of Making Decision, shall include the 2 main elements of "CONSULTATION" and "put TRUST to Allah" :
"....and consult them in the affairs. Then when you have taken a decision, put your trust to Allah...."
In line with the guidance from God as mentioned in the verse of Holy Quran above, I would like to include "CONSULTATION" as one of the steps or elements in "DECISION MAKING PROCESS", which is applicable to all managers - Muslims and Non- Muslims alike.
If you are a Muslim manger I would like to encourage you to performance Solat Istikarah [ Prayer for Guidance from God] , after you have made "CONSULTATION" but before decision is made. Then finally "..put TRUST to Allah..." by performing Solat Hajat [Prayer asking God to Bless for decision made]. As a Muslims, these additional 2 steps need to be included in "DECISION MAKING PROCESS", - this makes a different and a beauty of Islam.
The following Chart shows the Islamic Process of Making Decision for Muslims Leaders and Managers.
Finally let us examine ourselves as Muslims leaders or managers, whether we include these additional 3 steps in the process of making decisions. If we as Muslim Leaders and Managers practice this Islamic Management Decision Process, I am sure Muslims Nations, Muslims Organizations, and Muslims Families, will become models for others to follow. But the situation generally today is otherwise.
