Title: Islamic work ethics for Arab managers: the missing paradigm between espoused Islam and Islam-in-use

Authors: Saad G. Yaseen; Ghaleb A. ElRefae

Addresses: Faculty of Business, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan ' College of Business, Al Ain University of Science and Technology, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

Abstract: This research puts forth a new conceptualisation of espoused Islam and Islam-in-use, the discrepancy between the ideal and the real. Espoused Islam is what Arab managers believe in their stated value. Islam-in-use is their operationalised beliefs that they actually use. Although, there is ample evidence that Arab managers can and do switch mindsets between espoused Islam and Islam-in-use depending on which is cued in context, little is known about these contradicting orientations. The antecedents of these variations are deeply rooted in history, Arab culture ethos and Islam. The interpretive analysis of concepts has been used to understand the missing paradigm between espoused Islam and Islam-in-use, as well as to shed light on some contradicting orientations among them. An examination of this divergence involves rigorous research and further empirical operationalisation. Consequently, this conceptualisation is very valuable to western partners regarding how they should cultivate and express their own values and execute business in the Arab world.

Keywords: espoused Islam; Islam-in-use; value orientations; Arab managers mindset.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEBR.2019.096583

International Journal of Economics and Business Research, 2019 Vol.17 No.1, pp.18 - 33

Received: 08 May 2017
Accepted: 04 Dec 2017
Published online: 06 Dec 2018 *

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