Understanding Islamic Work Value and Generation Gap in Malaysia: A Qualitative Approach

This study attempts to address the gap in qualitative research on Islamic work values (IWV), which is a topic of increasing importance in organizational management. Though it seems like work values have been extensively studied quantitatively, particularly in relation to generational differences in the workplace, qualitative investigations of IWV remain scarce. This research aims to identify the significance of IWV and validate the internal and external factors influencing these values. Using a qualitative approach, six participants from different generations and genders were interviewed. Thematic analysis of the transcribed interviews revealed two main themes: internal factors (understanding of Islamic concepts, faith, education, and self-motivation) and external factors (work environment, organizational leadership support, government policies, and reward systems). The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of IWV and its potential impact on managing generational diversity in the workplace. The study concludes by recommending mixed-method approaches for future research in this area.