Section VI: Organisation Behaviour and Culture

Title: Arabian management theory

Author(s): Abdel Aziz M. Abu Naba'a

Address: Zaytoonah University, P.O. Box, 710566, Amman 11171, Jordan

Reference: BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AND COMPETITIVENESS IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA pp. 267 - 285

Abstract/Summary: Management plays an extremely important role in the advancement of nations throughout the world. As a result, a number of theories have been constructed and new theories continue to emerge from time to time as the search for the ultimate method of achieving administrative fulfilment goes on. The purpose of this chapter is to suggest that we must participate in the development of management theory and thought ourselves instead of simply consuming Western theories, which may not be applicable to our own environment. The aim is to develop an Arabian Management Theory AMT that derives from our Arab and Islamic heritage and is workable in our own particular environment. This new theory is based on three pillars or concepts. The first of these concepts is service, which means that the manager should respect his employees as he respects his guests, in order to gain their cooperation and increase their productivity. The second pillar is counselling. This concept means that the manager should consult with his employees before taking decisions. This is necessary in order to direct people successfully and to motivate them to work. This practice is also important in enabling the manager to make the right and wisest decision. The third pillar is justice. This last concept means that the manager should consider fear of God before taking any decision, thus being fair with all his employees, lest he be punished and condemned to hell.

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