Islamic Leadership and Organizational Productivity: A Textual Analysis of Shūrā, Trust, and Ethical Governance in Contemporary Institutions

Abstract

The evolution of leadership studies in contemporary management has increasingly acknowledged the influence of spiritual and ethical paradigms. Within this framework, Islamic leadership emerges as a distinct model grounded in divine values, prophetic traditions, and ethical governance. This study explores how Islamic leadership principles—particularly shūrā (consultation), amānah (trust), and ʿadālah (justice)—affect organizational productivity, particularly within culturally Islamic contexts. The objective of this paper is to analyze the conceptual and textual foundations of Islamic leadership and its influence on organizational performance. It seeks to identify key values embedded in classical Islamic texts and examine their relevance and applicability in modern institutional settings. This qualitative study employs textual analysis methods, drawing data from classical Islamic sources such as Nahj al-Balāghah, al-Aḥkām al-Sulṭāniyyah, and key management theories. It is supported by contemporary scholarly literature (published up to 2015), synthesizing Islamic ethical concepts with leadership and productivity models. Findings suggest that institutions adhering to Islamic leadership values foster higher employee engagement, ethical accountability, and long-term productivity. The significance of this study lies in its integration of classical Islamic wisdom with modern organizational needs. It highlights how prophetic leadership ideals offer sustainable, ethical models for contemporary institutions, especially in Muslim-majority societies aiming to align professional productivity with spiritual integrity.