Islamic Principles of Human Resource Development and Their Relevance to Oraganizational Performance

Abstract

Total number of skilled and knowledgeable people available in a society are called its human resources. In organizational context, workforce is termed as human resource of that organization. Recent studies have shown a positive link between human resource development and organizational performance. Business organizations incorporate several strategies to develop their human resources to achieve the objective of higher productivity and performance. In global business environment, where local cultures and beliefs are part of organizational development policies, Islamic values cannot be denied. Although HRD is new concept however its basic functions are deep rooted into old concepts of knowledge and skill development. Islam also presents its unique perspectives on human development. In Quran and Sunnah of the Holy Prophet there are many guidelines that refine the personalities of the personnel. Islamic concepts of vicegerent hood, knowledge acquisition, training, accountability, etc are essential constituents of HRD function in Islam. These values positively affect human personality that ultimately results in organizational productivity and performance. Through qualitative analysis important attributes of HRD in Islamic context are highlighted in this paper. It is concluded that Islamic framework of HRD is holistic in nature and provides basis for individual as well as organizational performance enhancement.