In the contemporary world of professionalism and modernized industrialization, the study of psychology has become a central and integral component to almost every field. Organizations are no exception. A branch of psychology called Organizational Behavior (hereinafter referred to as ‘OB’) is one of the most flourishing scopes of study. It focuses on examining the behavior of individuals, groups, and structures within an organization and how they impact the organization’s effectiveness. OB studies human performance in organizational settings, influencing factors, strategies to enhance the effectiveness of work, etc., with the ultimate goal of improving organizational effectiveness. As Timothy A. Judge puts it, OB’s purpose is “applying such knowledge toward improving an organization’s effectiveness.”^[1]

At a very first reading, one finds no problem with this definition and purpose. However, as we dive deeper into the topic, we arrive at the conclusion that the described purpose of OB reduces individuals to the level of a mere resource, expected to propel their talents solely for peak productivity in a cutthroat world. One may ask: what’s truly wrong with this view?

When we consider the purpose, that is precisely where our perspectives diverge. Allah SWT did not create humanity as a resource, but as Khalifah, stewards, distinguished above other creations, entrusted with authority, enabled to direct the world’s functions in fulfillment of divine purpose, so that Allah’s word (kalimat Ullah) prevails, and all other forms of servitude to anything besides Him come to an end. Everything in the heavens and earth is meant to serve humankind, whose ultimate purpose is to worship Allah. The Quran affirms this repeatedly: “Allah is the One who has subjected the sea for you so that ships may sail upon it by His command, and that you may seek His bounty, and that perhaps you may be grateful. He subjected you whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth, all by His grace. Surely in this are signs for people who reflect”.^[2] Similar verses appear in Surah Ibrahim, Chapter 14, Verse 32-34. Treating humans as resources denies their exalted status as Insaan ^[3], bestowed by their Lord. It equates them with mere tools for human service, shrinking their pursuit of the Hereafter to mere organizational ‘success’, not for humanity’s collective good, but for dominance in worldly competition. Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) beautifully summarized the philosophy of our existence: “…For you (mankind) were created for the Hereafter, while the world was created for you…”^[4] Thus, equating mankind with resources is an imbalanced equation and cannot be placed at the same level.

You may ask: If not organizational effectiveness, then what is OB’s true goal? The simple answer to it is that its goal should elevate beyond mere efficiency: to foster effectiveness that advances humanity’s collective benefit, seeking the home of the Hereafter. “But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and (yet) do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters”.^[5]

The way we define our goals may appear subtle, but may be detrimental for the intentions behind individuals’ performance and the way they are going to make use of the resources if not understood carefully. Our intentions will shape our motivations in distinct ways. The goal described by the latter will prevent people from exploiting others, because their competition would be for the Aakhirah, and not for this temporary world. This goal will facilitate people and organizations to thrive for excellence, because the Islamic vision curbs exploitation, while competition costs eternal Hereafter. It is Islam that spurs true excellence, for “Allah has prescribed ihsan (proficiency, perfection) in everything”^[6]. In contrast, goals defined in accordance with secular worldview justify any means: halal or haram in the pursuit of ‘success,’ a distorted notion achieved at the expense of our Deen. The faith-based approach molds managers’ and employees’ attitudes for Allah’s sake; the other binds them to organizational demands, reducing them to servitude to institutions rather than the Most High, the Most Magnificent.

It is time to redefine OB’s aims, liberating people from every form of ʿubūdiyyah (submission and worship) except to Allah. For humankind holds divine honor: “And We have certainly honored the children of Adam and carried them on the land and the sea and provided them for the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference”^[7].

1. Robbins, S. P. & Judge, T. A. (2013). Organizational Behavior. (15^th ed.). Pearson Education, Inc. ↑

2. The Qur’an [Surah Jathiyah :12-13], Translated by Dr. Mustafa Khattab. Last visited on 8 February 2026. ↑

3. Insaan meaning human being, is an Arabic term. Allah says: “Indeed, We created Insaan (human being) in the best form. (The Qur’an – 95:4) ↑

4. Narrated by Ibn Abi al Dunya in Qasr al Amal (190), and Al bayhaqi in Shu’ab al Iman (105801) with slight variations, https.// dorar.net/h/7cJKSZiQ. ↑

5. The Qur’an [Surah Qasas verse 77]. Translated by Saheeh International. Last visited on 8 February 2026. ↑

6. Sahih Al Muslim, 1955a, Book 34, Hadith 84, https;//Sunnah.com/muslim/34/84 last visited on 10 February 2026. ↑

7. The Qur’an [Surah Bani Israel: 70], last visited on 10 February 2026. ↑