International Journal of Business and Behavioral Sciences

Vol. 2, No.12; December 2012

The Impact of Islamic Work Ethics on Job Satisfaction and Organizational

Commitment: A Study of Agriculture Sector of Pakistan
*Muhammad Yousuf Khan Marri1, Arshad Mahmood Sadozai2, Hafiz Muhammad Fakhar Zaman3, &
Dr.Muhammad I. Ramay4
1
Senior Scientific Officer (SSO), Social Sciences Division, Pakistan Agriculture Research Council HQ,
Islamabad. 2Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation Headquarter, Islamabad, Pakistan. 3Assistant
Manager (Projects), AHAN, Ministry of Production, Govt of Pakistan. 4Dean Faculty of Management
Sciences, Al Khair University, AJK, Pakistan.
*yousuf.marri@gmail.com

Abstract
This study investigated the effect of Islamic work ethics on job satisfaction and organizational
commitment on agriculture sector of Pakistan. Professional Organizations work very hard to
establish codes of ethics to help employees in understanding and managing their ethical
responsibilities. Islam considers ethics as an essential factor, as it is comprehensive, stable, fair, and
historically proved in building great societies. The study used random sampling technique to collect
data of 397 respondents from 25 institutions of agriculture sector of Pakistan. The empirical testing
indicates that Islamic work ethics has positive impact on both job satisfaction and organizational
commitment. Results also indicate strong positive relationship between job satisfaction and
organizational commitment. Implications, limitations and suggestions for future research are also
discussed.

Keywords: Islamic Work Ethics, Job Satisfaction, Organizational Commitment, Agriculture Sector
1. Introduction
In the current globalized business world, the organizations face ethical issues on daily basis which
have great concern for better organizational performance, avoiding possible losses and sometime,
survival of the organization itself. The unethical corporate practices have affected the public
perception of many corporations, which led to critical situation such as low efficiency, revenue
losses and even bankruptcy. Many examples of western and Pakistani corporations are worth
mentioning (e.g., Enron, WorldCom, Arthur & Andersen, Pakistan steel Mills, Pakistan International
Airlines (PIA), Pakistan Railways, and PTCL etc.)
The failure of corporations gained remarkable interest of the research community. According to Ali
& Kazemi (2007), scholars began to show an interest in the subject after Max Weber publicized the
role of work ethics in accumulating wealth and the rise of capitalism. The Weber's school of thought
and his followers (i.e. Furnham, 1982 & 1990; Furnham & Muhuideen, 1984; Furnham &
Rajamanickam, 1992), concentrated on protestant work ethics. Cherrington (1995), concluded that
the essence of work ethics that derived from Webers theory, contains element of hard work, long
hours with little or no time for leisure, pride in work and a job well done, an orientation toward
achievement as well as acquired wealth, along with frugality, thrift and wise investment. Rakhman
(2010), criticized the applicability of Weber model and suggested that it is based on the elements
which may be limited in non western societies. This may be in those societies which are dominated
by the non Islamic religion. Now the organizations are more concerned in establishing a corporate
code of ethics to achieve their objective in effective and desired way.
Previous research studies showed that work ethics is closely related with job satisfaction as reveled
in research studies conducted by different research scholars (Vitell & Davis, 1990; Viswesvaran &
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Deshpande, 1996; Yousef, 2001; Koh & Boo 2001; Rokhman, 2010). Research has also showed that
work ethics is correlated with organizational commitment (Yousef, 2001; Kidron, 1979; Peterson,
2003; Rokhman, 2010).
Pakistan is the 6th largest country in the world and 2nd among Muslim countries (UN Population
Division, 2011), with an estimated population of 181503265 people (official population clock, 2012),
situated on important strategic location. According to (Alston, Norton & Pardey, 1995), every
country have certain national goals, Pakistan has three national goals. I) Efficiency: to raise the
average level of well-being of the population of a country through the optimal allocation of a
nations resources. ii) Equity: increasing the well-being of various groups in society. iii) Security:
reducing the variability by reducing income fluctuations and self- sufficiency & self- reliance.
According to economic survey of Pakistan (2011-2012), agriculture is a key sector of the economy
and accounts for 21 percent of GDP. It generates productive employment opportunities for 45
percent of the countrys labor force and 60 percent of the rural population depends upon this sector
for its livelihood. It has a vital role in ensuring food security, generating overall economic growth,
reducing poverty, and transforming towards industrialization (economic survey of Pakistan, 201112). Besides other factors, low investment in agricultural research, extension, education
infrastructure and irrigation systems as well as the issues related to organization and management
are very crucial and needed to be addressed accordingly. Ethics is a major issue in Pakistan and
organizations are facing unethical practices which resultantly have negative impact on society at
large, the ethical issues are needed to be addressed by all means and investigated for efficiency and
effectiveness. Baker (2005), coded the Pakistani banker view We have lost the distinction between
what is legal and what is illegal. No one hates people who get their money through illegal means.
Society is not acting as a restrain. Hence, to achieve the objectives, each organization has to focus
on its human resources and ethical issues.
Studies conducted so far on Islamic Work Ethics (IWE), were in western society and other Muslim
countries with limited sample size and sector. However, in Pakistan, the impact of Islamic work
ethics on work outcomes are seldom studied, especially, no evidences found from Agriculture sector
of Pakistan. Therefore, there is a gap in the IWE research. Keeping in view the need and importance
of the topic, this empirical study is conducted to examine the effect of the IWE on job satisfaction
and organizational commitment.

2. Literature Review
Islamic Work Ethics
The recent expansion of global business and removal of trade barriers worldwide have further
underlined the interest in the topics of ethical behavior and social responsibility (Jones, 1991). Ethics
is defined as study of right and wrong, and morality of choices made by individuals. Morf,
Schumacher & Vitell (1999), believe: Ethics is moral principle that individuals inject into their
decision making process and that helps temper the last outcome to comfort to the norms of their
society. Mahdavi (2003), defining the functionality of ethical principles, suggests that they have
very profound function of making behavior predictable. According to Beekun (1997), ethics is a
normative field because it prescribes what one should do or abstain from doing. In 2008, Rizk
suggested that IWE is an orientation towards work, and approaches it as a virtue in humans lives.
Islam places the highest emphasis on ethical values as it governs all aspects of life. IWE is originally
based on Quran and the teachings of the Prophet and the legacy of the four Caliphs of Islam (Ali,
1995; Rizk, 2008).

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Quran instructs the faithful involvement and commitment to work and does not allow unethical
work behavior like begging, laziness, and waste of time involved with unproductive activity (Ali &
Ali.A, 2007; Yousef, 2000). According to Hayaati (2007), ethics in Islam is a reflection of good values
whether in behavior, action, thinking or even heart. Most researchers argue that in IWE, work as
an obligatory activity and virtue in light of persons need and necessity to establish equilibrium
in ones individual and social life (Ali, 2001; Ali & Al Owaihan, 2008). So, it can enable human being
to be independent and fulfill themselves with self respect.
According to Rashid & Ibrahim (2005), Islam considers ethics as an offshoot of Eman (a Muslim belief
system), and it emerges from the Islamic worldview of human life. Ethics is also known as akhlak.
Akhlak is a set of Islamic moral values which have been prescribed fundamentally in the Quran and
implemented by Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) during His life (McGee, 2012). The Holy Quran uses
several terms to denote the concept of moral or religious goodness and righteousness. Muhammad,
Yusof, Amin & Chowdhury (2012), describe the concept of goodness used in Holy Quran such as
khayr (Goodness), birr (righteousness), qist (equity), adl (equilibrium and justice), haqq (truth and
right), maruf (known and approved) and taqwa (piety). Pious actions are described as salihat and
impious actions are described as sayyiat.
The Holy Quran highlights the importance of ethics repeatedly on many occasions.
You are the best nation that has been raised up for mankind; You enjoin right conduct, forbid evil
and believe in Allah. (Quran 3:110).
Ethics is considered by these sources to be the main objective of Islam. The Prophet Mohammad
(PBUH) was sent to preach a message that is essentially moral.
We sent you not but as mercy for all creatures. (Quran 21: 107)
Another verse in the Quran says:
The word of thy Lord doth find its fulfillment in truth and in justice; none can change His words'.
(Quran 6:115).
On another place in Holy Quran, Almighty Allah says:
Those who believe and do good, they are the best of creatures (Quran 29: 7)
Even the Holy prophet Mohammad (SAWW) says:
I have been sent for the purpose of perfecting good morals. (Ibn Hambal, No: 8595)
The Muslim scholars have also started realizing the importance of IWE in contemporary era, as it
became part of Islamic thought which is beneficial to every human kind. Ali & Al Owaihan (2008),
categorized the work related sayings of Prophet Mohammad (SAW) including; (a) pursuing
legitimate business (b) Wealth must be earned (c) quality of work ( d) wages (e) reliance on self
(f) monopoly ( g) bribery (h) deeds and intentions (i) transparency (j) greed, and (k) generosity.
The Muslim scholars rejected Webers opinion, because faith in Islam includes work as integral
component of the human life (Ibnu Maskawyh, 1961; al-Maududi 1967; Al-Ghazali, 1997; Arslan,
2000 & 2001; Yousef, 2001; Hayaati, Ismail & Basir, 2002). The research conducted by Arslan (2000 &
2001), has revealed empirical support to refuse Webers thesis, he compared the British and Turkish
managers using Protestant Work Ethics (PWE). The study findings were amazing because the Turkish
managers scored higher in all characteristics in PWE than British managers. He concluded that: first,
the Webers criticism of Islamic terms in the economic behavior is not valid, especially in the case of
Turkish. Second, religious motives had an important impact on business. Lastly, Turkish Sufi
movements had the same role as Calvinism in Northern Europe in the eighteenth century and the
Islamic ethics, and heritage had an important role in business ethics. However there are number of
similarities between IWE and PWE, both put considerable emphasis on hard work, commitment,
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dedication to work, work creativity, avoidance of unethical method of wealth accumulation,

cooperation and competitiveness at the work place.

Theoretical Framework
Figure: Research Framework

Job
Satisfaction
Islamic
Work
Ethic
Organizationa
l

Islamic Work Ethics and Job Satisfaction

Literature on job satisfaction is available since early 1930 (Hoppock, 1935; Brayfield & Rothe, 1951).
In 1976, Lcoke estimated 3350 research studies, in 1992 it was more then 5000 (Cranny et al), in
1996, figure given by Lcoke almost doubled i.e. more than 6700 (Oshagbemi, 1996). Even today job
satisfaction is one of the most frequently used variables in business and behavioral research not only
in western world but also among the Pakistani business research community such as Riaz & Ramay
(2010); Haroon, Zaman & Rehman (2012); Sadozai, Zaman, Marri & Ramay (2012).
Job satisfaction explains the feelings (Arches, 1991; Robbin 2005), attitude (Lcoke, 1976), behavior
(Davis, 1985), emotional response (Spector, 1997), effective orientation towards work and its
different dimensions, and positive reaction towards pay, supervision, working atmosphere, and job
itself (Wanous & Lawler, 1972; French, 1982; Tziner and Vardi; 1984). Rose (2001), suggests that job
satisfaction can be divided into two categories: intrinsic and extrinsic satisfaction. The former is
concerned with qualitative aspect of job i.e. autonomy, responsibility, skills needed to perform job &
supervision etc., whereas the later deals with quantitative aspects such as working hours, safety,
tangible rewards and bonuses etc.
Job satisfaction may impact on both individual and organizational performance positively and vice
versa (Spector, 1997 and Silverthorne, 2005). The higher job satisfaction will result in decreased
turnover intension (Boles, Johnston & Hair, 1997). In 2000, Yousef suggested that Understanding the
relationship between work ethics and job satisfaction is vital in determining involvement and
strategies for explanatory factors that cause reduction in satisfaction level toward the work
condition. The previous studies on Work ethics revealed close relationship with job satisfaction
(Vitell and Davis, 1990; Viswesvaran and Deshpande, 1996; Yousef, 2001; Koh and Boo, 2001;
Rokhman 2010). On the basis of above discussion following hypothesis is drawn:
H1. Islamic Work Ethics will increase job satisfaction.

Islamic Work Ethics and Organizational Commitment

The relationship between work ethics and organization commitment has received considerable
attention in the commitment literature (Yousef, 2001). Such interest might be referring to the belief
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that work ethics facilitate employees attitude towards hard work and their organization too.
Commitment, like satisfaction, has also been defined in many ways, the gurus of organizational
commitment has defined it in various ways. Allen & Mayer (1990), defined organizational
commitment as a psychological state that attaches an employee to an organization. Mahdavi (2001),
describes organizational commitment as the attachment that is formed between employees and
their employing organization. Mowday, Porter, & Steers (1982), defined it as the relative strength of
an individuals identification with and involvement in a particular organization. To achieve
organizational commitment, employers need to help their employees value involvement in the
organization. The more the employees value being part of the organization, the more likely they are
to stay with the organization (Boon & Arumugam, 2006).
According to Werkmeister (1967), commitment is a manifestation of the individuals own self, and
reflects value standards that are basic to the individuals existence as a person. Kidron (1979),
further observes that work values show higher correlations with moral commitment to the
organization than calculative commitment (Elizur & Koslowsky, 2001). Putti, Aryee, & Ling (1989),
analyzed the relationship between work values and organizational commitment based on a sample
of workers in Singapore. They found that intrinsic work values relate more closely to organizational
commitment than extrinsic work values. Research has also showed that work ethics also related with
organizational commitment (Kidron, 1979; Yousef, 2001; Peterson, 2003; Rokhman, 2010). Based on
the above observations, it leads to the following hypothesis:
H2. Islamic Work Ethics will increase organizational commitment.
Job Satisfaction & Organizational Commitment
Job satisfaction and organizational commitment extensively researched by both academicians,
practitioners of management and other social sciences disciplines due to their significant impact on
organizational functioning and individual behaviors as revealed in the studies conducted by (Angle &
Perry, 1981; Bateman & Strasser, 1984; Dewar & Werbel, 1979; Farkas & Tetrick, 1989; Johnston &
Shook, 1987; Katz, 1978; Mobley, 1977; Mowday, Porter & Steers,1982; Wiener, 1982; Williams and
Hazer, 1986). The importance of these two vital concepts can not be over sighted as they are
primary determinants of employee turnover, performance, and productivity (Glisson and Durick,
1988).
Most of these studies conducted in different professions found a positive significant relationship
between them. (Kirsch, 1990; Almeer 1995; Knoop, 1995; Smith, 1996; Al-Aameri, 2000; Riaz &
Ramay, 2010). Feinstein & Vondrasek (2001), analyzed the effects of job satisfaction on
organizational commitment among the restaurant employees and the findings proved that
satisfaction level would predict their commitment to the organization. Gaertner (1999) also analyzed
the determinants (pay workload, distributive justice, promotional chances, supervisory support, etc.)
of JS and OC. However the study of Curry Wakefield, Price & Mueller (1986), did not find relationship
between JS and OC. Greenberg & Baron (1990), pointed out that JS and OC do not come out to be
direct causes of one another as often been assumed.
In Pakistani context the study conducted by Chughtai & Zafar (2006) , to measure the relationship of
personal characteristics, facets of jobs satisfaction and organizational justice with organizational
commitment in Pakistani university teachers, revealed that the personal characteristics, facets of job
satisfaction and two dimensions of organizational justice as a group were significantly related to
organizational commitment of the university teachers. The study conducted by Bashir & Ramay
(2008), to examine the relationship between career opportunities, work life policies, job
characteristics and organizational commitment of information technology (IT) professionals in
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Pakistan. The results show that career opportunities and work life policies in IT professionals are
significantly correlated with organizational commitment, while job characteristics do not determine
their organizational commitment. Based on the literature review, the following hypothesis is
derived:
H3. There is a relationship between job satisfaction and organizational commitment
3. Methodology
Sample and data collection
Data was randomly collected from 25 public and private research, extension and educational
organizations/ institutions & establishments and its attached departments working at federal as well
as the provincial level in addition to Ministry of National Food Security and Research, responsible
organizations for overall assurance of food security in the country in an attempt to achieve a form of
guided random sampling of agriculture sector of Pakistan.
The authors distributed 400 questionnaires among full time employees over a Two-month period
using both drop-off and pick-up methods as well as self administered methods. After three
reminders through callbacks, 329 questionnaires were retrieved. Of the retrieved questionnaires,
317 questionnaires were usable. On a positive note, a high response rate of 82.25% was achieved.
Measurement
To measure the Islamic Work Ethics, 17 items (short version instrument developed by Ali (1992),
were used with little modifications. Examples for these items include: I think Laziness is a character
which some people posses, I believe dedication to work is a virtue, and Justice and generosity in the
work place are necessary conditions for societys welfare, I think Human relations should be
emphasized and encouraged etc. This sort of version already applied in several Muslim countries
such as Saudi Arabia, UEA, Kuwait, Indonesia and Pakistan, the results were relatively high. A fivepoint scale is employed ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). The Cronbachs
alpha of this scale was 0.79.
Job Satisfaction was measured by the 5 item scale used by Dubinsky and Harley (1986).
Characteristic examples of job satisfaction scale are Generally speaking, I am very satisfied with my
job and This organization has invested a lot on the welfare of the employees. This scale had a
coefficient alpha of 0.81.
Organizational Commitment was measured with a Five -item version of the organizational
commitment questionnaire (OCQ) adapted from Bozeman & Perrewe, (2001), later used by LunaArocas & Camp (2008), Rokhman (2010). This scale had a coefficient alpha of 0.72.
Analysis
We performed stepwise analysis of the data using SPSS 17.0 in five steps, in the following manner:
As a FIRST step in the analysis of results, reliability of the scales was confirmed by calculating
cronachs alpha for each scale used in the study. Cronbach's Alpha of each dimensions are given in
the measurement section as well as in table II. In the SECOND step, the demographic characteristics
of the respondents were measured and the details are given below in results section of the study,
also shown in table I. In the THIRD step, we give an overview of descriptive values of all analysis
variables such as frequencies and percentages for main characteristics of the sample (see table II). In
the FOURTH step, we show Pearson product moment correlation coefficients (PMCC) for
correlations between all variables to demonstrate relationships (as depicted in table II). In the FINAL
step, regression analysis was performed to examine the effect of IWE on "job satisfaction and
organizational commitment" consecutively.

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4. Results
Demographic characteristics of respondents.
Among total number of 317 respondents, included in the Survey, 239 were male (75%) and 78 were
females (25%) respondents. 26% respondents were of between the age of 19-28 years Majority of
the respondents was between the age of group of 30-39 years showing 34% of whole sample. Of the
subjects, 73% of respondents were having master level of education while 16% of MS/ PhD. It was
attempted to collect responses from both scientific (70%) and administrative (30%) cadre among
them (88%) were working on managerial positions and 22% on non- managerial positions.
Subsequently, 40% respondents had 6-15 years of experience while 33% were those who spent 16 or
more years in the service. The demographic summary of the respondents is presented in Table 1.

Characteristics
Gender
Male
Female
Total
Education
M Phil/PhD
Masters
Graduate
Undergraduate
Age
19 -29Years
30-39 Years
40-49 Years
50 & Above
Experience
1 5 years
6 15 years
16 & above

Table I: Demographics
Frequency

Percentage

239
78
317

75.4
24.6
100

40
192
56
29

12.6
73.2
17.7
9.1

82
108
61
66

25.9
34.1
19.2
20.8

82
129
106

25.9
40.7
33.4

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Descriptives and Correlation Results.

Descriptive results reveal varying results of independent variable (Islamic work ethics) and
dependent variables (job satisfaction and organizational commitment). Likert scale helped to explain
the intensity of Islamic work ethics towards job satisfaction and commitment of employees. The
mean scores and standard deviation results show that generally respondents agree with the
statements provided in the instruments.
As concluded in previous researches, results of this study show that overall means of Islamic work
ethics is relatively high, which indicates that employees in the agriculture sector institutions under
study adhere to IWE (3.92). The overall mean of the job satisfaction (3.61), means that employees in
the investigated organizations/institutions are not fully satisfied with their job; however they are
more inclined toward being satisfied. Furthermore, the overall mean of organizational commitment
is reasonably high (3.72), which indicate that the employees are committed to their organization.
In the second step of the analysis, we want to give an overview of the Pearson product moment
correlation (PMCC) of all variables under investigation to determine the strength of their
relationship. It is also revealed that the relationship between IWE and job satisfaction is positive
(0.39) and highly significant (p <0.01) it shows that if the IWE, is followed then the employees are
usually satisfied with their jobs. Likewise, IWE is also significantly related to organizational
commitment (0.49) and highly significant (p <0.01), which means that if employees follow IWE, then
the commitment of employees towards the organization gets high. Similarly, job satisfaction is
significantly related with organizational commitment (0.60) and highly significant (p <0.01) which
reveals that if employees are committed with the organization, then they will be highly satisfied with
their jobs. Such satisfaction also provides employees a sense of attachment with their respective
organization. A happy or satisfied worker is willing to spend rest of his/ her life with the
organization.
Table II: Mean, Standard Deviation, Cronbach's Alpha & Correlation
Variables
IWE
JS
OC

Cronbach's
Alpha
.79

Mean
S.D
3.9
.47
1
2
3.6
.84
.81
.39**
1
1
3.7
.71
.72
.49**
.60*
1
2
**. Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed).

No of Items
17
5
5

Regression Results.
The Regression equation is formed to test the interdependence of two variables. With the
help of Independent variable IWE, dependent variables (job satisfaction and organizational
commitment) following two equations were formed. Table 3 presents the regression outcomes of
equation/model 1, which shows that the dependence of IWE (independent variables) on job
satisfaction (dependent variable). To test the first hypothesis, the study regress IWE on job
satisfaction. The relationship between IWE and job satisfaction is highly significant, as indicated in
the table III (R2 = 0.15, p< 0.05). The null hypothesis is therefore rejected. IWE scores explained
about 15% of variance (F = 56.38, p < 0.05) in job satisfaction. Regression analysis also shows that if
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we increase 1 unit of IWE it will increase 0.69 units of JS in employees of agriculture sector
organizations.
The second hypothesis was also supported, as indicated by R2 = 0.24, p < 0.05, therefore null
hypothesis is rejected. IWE scores explained about 24% of variance (F = 101.67 p < 0.05) in
organizational commitment. Regression analysis indicates if we increase 1 unit of IWE it will increase
0.74 units of OC in employees of agriculture sector organizations.
Table III: Regression Analysis (IWE & JS) & (IWE &OC)
Model
R
R Square Adjusted
F
Std.

t
Sig.
R Square
Error
1
.39
.152
.149
56.38
.69
.390
7.51
.000
2
.49
.244
.242
101.67
.74
.494
10.08
.000
a. Dependent Variable: Job Satisfaction
b. Dependent Variable: Organizational Commitment

5. Discussion
The employees of the agriculture sector of Pakistan scored high on the IWE scale, as indicated by the
mean, this demonstrates that employees of the sector are highly supportive with the Islamic ethics
in their work place. The aggregate mean of job satisfaction is slightly below commitment, which
means that the respondents were not entirely satisfied with their current jobs. The high score on
organizational commitment indicates that employees in the institutions investigated have high
commitment to their current organization.
For the first and second hypothesis testing, the results indicate that the relationships between the
IWE to both job satisfaction and organizational commitment are positive and significant. These
results support the prior researches of (Yousuf, 2001; Koh and Boo, 2001; Viswesvaran and
Deshpande, 1996; Vitell and Davis, 1990; Rokhman, 2010; Mohamed et al, 2010), which
demonstrated the positive effect of work ethics on job satisfaction and organizational commitment.
The outcomes suggest that those who strongly support IWE would be more satisfied with their job
and committed to their organization.

6. Implication and Recommendations:

Practical implication Empirical evidences support the assumption that to achieve high level of job
satisfaction and commitment, organizations in agriculture sector should take into account following
key factors;
I.
Institutions/ organizations should continue emphasizing on the importance of ethics during
recruitment, orientations and periodical training programs. Employers should focus on
employees life-long learning, curriculum development for professionals and inculcating
appropriate individual work values in not only performing their organizational duties but
also in the societal responsibilities.
II.
Justice and generosity in the work place are necessary conditions for employees as well as
societys welfare; therefore the justice may be enforced at all levels in accordance with the
duties and responsibilities assigned to each employee. Benefits from the organizations to
employees may also be equitable with other employees working in the same position.
III.
Work is not an end in itself but a means to foster personal growth and social relations. There
is a strong need to establish relations network among the employees at lower, peer and top
level that could enhance the cooperation culture among the employees and stakeholders.
Human relations may be emphasized and encouraged to provide opportunity to solve the
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IV.

V.

VI.

VII.

Vol. 2, No.12; December 2012

problems mutually.
In agriculture sector institutions, employees have shown their strong support with idea of
cooperative and team oriented environment, therefore these institutions may focus on flat
hierarchical structure and moderate span of control.
Hard work of employees may be rewarded reciprocally by the organization to provide them
equal chance of getting ahead in life and ensure equal opportunities for personal growth
and carrier development.
Intention may be viewed in measuring performance and making accounting rather than its
results. In nutshell, if employees are satisfied, they voluntary expend extra effort to achieve
the short term and long term goals of the organization and spend rest of their career in the
same organization.
Management should consider continuous training programs, communication and consistent
behavior that adhere to Islamic work ethics.

7. Limitations of the Study

The current study has methodological limitations that may affect the generalisability of results. Our
cross-sectional design allowed identification of several factors associated with job satisfaction and
organizational commitment, although causal inferences can hardly be made. Since job satisfaction
and organizational commitment as the dependent variables, and predictor variable (IWE), were
assessed by limited sample size and sector. Whether the results are applicable to organizations
/institutions of other sectors is difficult to assess and needed to be investigated in future studies.
The Islamic Work Ethics may also be examined with other organizational behaviors such as work
stress, organizational performance, organizational culture, organizational citizenship behaviors,
turnover intention and locus of control etc.

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