THE INFLUENCE OF SPIRITUALITY AND RESPONSIBILITY ON BUSINESS LEADERSHIP EFFECTIVENESS: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

The aim of the present research is to enrich the understanding of leadership concepts from an Islamic perspective.  Three concepts were explored namely, Al-Shura (consultation), competency and Taqwa (Islamic piety).  Based on the Muttaqqeen characteristics mentioned in the Qur'an, Taqwa had been operationalized having two distinguished components; Spirituality and Responsibility.  The study examined the effects of leader's spirituality and responsibility on business leadership effectiveness.  The study employed a survey method, whereby a total sample of 206 companies were utilized for the statistical analysis.  Multiple regression technique using SPSS version 12 was used to test two main hypotheses and seven corollary hypotheses.  The results show that leaders' level of Taqwa influences their business leadership effectiveness.  One dimension of spirituality; Belief, and three dimensions of Responsibility, namely; Sadaqah, Integrity and Emotional Control, were found to predict business leadership effectiveness. Several implications from the study were discussed.