Ethical Foundations of Islamic Management: A Comparative Analysis with Western Paradigms

Document Type : Essay

Authors

M.A. in Public Administration, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.

10.30497/rmg.2025.77765

Abstract

Ethical considerations play a pivotal role in shaping managerial behavior and organizational decision-making. This paper explores the ethical underpinnings of Islamic management and compares them with those found in mainstream Western management theories. While Western approaches often prioritize individual autonomy, utilitarian efficiency, and market rationality, Islamic management is rooted in divine guidance and emphasizes justice, collectivism, social accountability, and moral integrity. The analysis highlights both the complementarities and the divergences between these paradigms, arguing that integrating the normative depth of Islamic ethics with the procedural strengths of Western models can lead to more balanced and ethically sustainable management practices.

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