AN ORGANIZATION'S WORK ENVIRONMENT: A CASE STUDY OF THE INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA

Shiamala, Rasalingam (2001) AN ORGANIZATION'S WORK ENVIRONMENT: A CASE STUDY OF THE INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA. Masters thesis, Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia.

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Abstract

The prime objective of this paper is to study the work environment prevalent in International Islamic University Malaysia. Based upon the framework of the organizational climate, this study aims to identify the perceptions of a group of academic staff towards the various aspects of the work environment. The instrument used in this study was a two section self-administered survey questionaire. The self-designed questionaire comprised twelve different dimensions of the work environment such as the working paradigm, formal structure, decision-making, leadership, communication, excellence and innovation, resolving conflicts, students focus, inter-staff relationship, research and scholarly activities, safety and the sense of belonging. Overall 120 academic staff participated in the study. The findings illustrate that despite some limitations, the respondents have a relatively high perception on almost all of the areas in the work environment. This can be interpreted as an indication that the majority of the academic staff are satisfied with their work environment. The practice of Islamic work cultures such as the principle of 'taqwa' (God consciousness) are rated highly. The areas that may warrant the attention of administrators include the dimensions on research and scholarly activities, safety issues and probably,the management of international staff. On the whole, the good status of the work environment is a key indicator of quality for the university. The high sentiments of the academic staff should serve as an impetus to the administrators as well as heads of depai tinents to eradicate complacency, and to gear future strategies towards a culture of comprehensive excellence. A two-pronged work practices, the 'open door policy' and 'think-tank' committees comprising academicians and administrators would be constructive mechanisms to enhance the work culture in IIUM. There is also a need for academicians turned administrators to be trained in management to ensure efficiency, and competency. In order to provide a wide base of information of the local settings pertaining to institutions of higher learning, a guideline for future studies were then suggested.

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