MANAGEMENT LESSONS FROM BIBLE AND QURAN

MANAGEMENT LESSONS FROM QURAN

This may make you very curious but the teachings of God or Allah are always timeless and
their deeper meanings can be implemented in finer aspects of our daily lives. So can be
done with the modern concept of corporate world, organization management, etc. We will
peep into some of similar lessons from Quran.

Concept of a Manager

Management principles work on have efficient managers who could get the work done
through others. Holy Quran emphasizes on this point: "we raise some of them above others
in ranks, so that some may command work from others...' [43:32]

Management principles in holy Quran:

“Islam” the religion of peace, which has over 1.6 billion followers or about 23% of the
world population, is not only a religion but also a complete way of life, The Holy Quran; the
most comprehensive divine book of the world has the solution to every problem. Let it be
personal or issues related with economics, business or politics. It’s a vast source of
knowledge. It tells us about history, Geography, Astronomy, Biology, and Management etc.
The Holy Quran, has the most comprehensive collection of guiding principles, teaches us,
guides us and shows us light in every walk of life.

Islam has already given the principles of management 1400 years ago. It shows that the
best book about management is Quran. Management that is considered to be one of the
most important subjects of modern times is also derived from the knowledge that Quran
has given us. Many of its principles and theories that are made in 16th or 17th century are
derived from the knowledge that The Holy Quran has given us 14 centuries ago. There are
300 verses in the holy Quran on management; these verses should be studied for
explaining the managerial view of the holy Quran.
Principles of Islamic Management:

Honesty, Efficiency, Patriotism, Right man in the right place, Discipline, Division of labor,
Unity of command and unity of direction, Centralization and decentralization, Preference to
the organizational interest, Remuneration, Economy, Justice for all, United efforts, Dignity
of labor, Exemption, Accountability, Tawakkul -The act of relying upon something or
someone - to place faith or confidence in Allah (usually).

QURAN AND MODERN MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES:

1. Management today is defined as “Getting things done through others.”

Following this concept, a Manager is now understood as the person who works through
others. A good manager, therefore, is a person who not only knows what is to be done but
exactly how to get it done.

The Holy Quran confirm [43:32] “We raise some of them above others in ranks, so that
some may command work from others...”

This ayah from Surah Al-Zakahraf (43:32) encompasses the entire philosophy and wisdom
of modern management. It emphasizes, in essence, the creation of appropriate hierarchies
and the division of responsibilities subject to individual capabilities.

2. Another most Important Principle of Management is leadership. .

“Without leadership every member of the group will go in his own direction instead of
following the decision of the group or participate in teamwork.” This principle comes from
the Hadith of the Prophet (pbuh) which says: “When three men travel together, they should
make one of them their leader.” (Abu Dawood, no. 2608).This Hadith places an emphasis on
the importance of leadership.

3. Another Important Principle of the Management is the Joint Consultations.

The modern world realized the importance of joint consultation (Shura) and team-work
when the Japanese based its management style on it and proved to the world of its
effectiveness.
The Holy Quran advocates for this concept:

[42:38] “...and those who do their work through mutual consultation.

[3:159] “…pass over (their faults), and ask for (God's) forgiveness for them; and consult
them in affairs (of moment). Then, when you have taken a decision put your trust in God,
for God loves those who put their trust (in Him).”

This principle comes from the social life of Islam. Muslims used to gather before their
battles and during the regular meetings held by the Prophet (pbuh) to teach the Sahabah
(the companions) Islamic principles.

4. obedience and respect for authority

Obedience and respect for authority is the basic fundamental requisite for taking work
from others and getting it done. It is necessary for those people who are given the job to
complete a task to obey all legal and reasonable orders and perform it responsibly.

Holy Quran instructs: [4:59] “Obey Allah and His Messenger and those in position of
authority among you.”

5. principle of equal opportunities

The principle of equal opportunities postulate that all members of an organization shall
have equal and fair chances to grow, contribute, and be rewarded accordingly.

The Holy Quran emphasis this golden rule [49:13] “O people we created you from a single
male and female couple and then divided you in nations and tribes so that you may
recognize one another. “Verily the most honorable among you in the sight of Allah is he w

In the light of this Quranic verse if there is any criterion of superiority and respectability in
the sight of Allah, it is Taqwa (righteousness).”

6. motivation & commitment

Commitment to do work can only be achieved through motivation. The way a manager
behaves or deals with the subordinates determines the level and vitality of his motivation
and commitment to a great extent.

The Holy Quran too speaks about this golden rule: [3:159] “(telling the Prophet) if you had
been stern and fierce of heart they (the companions and followers) would have
disappeared from around you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult
them in the conduct of affairs”

This beautiful Ayat emphasizes upon two aspects: one, that compassionate and
sympathetic behavior towards companions and followers, and second, the adoption of
participatory approach when dealing with them i.e. consulting them, is the most effective
way of management.

If this golden rule is not observed then “they will disappear from you” i.e. they won’t pay
attention nor any interest in you or what your work entails.

Both these golden rules play vital role in the motivation of subordinates and inculcating in
them the spirit of commitment and passion for work.

7. Unity of Command

The Organization should have a single plan of action to guide managers and workers.

This principle can be found in the Holy Quran in these words; (21:22) “If there were in the
heavens and the earth, other gods, besides Allah, there would have been collision in both.”
This Ayat shows the importance and necessity of unity of command and unity of direction.

8. Giving importance to Organizational Interests than Individual.

The interest of any employee or group of employees should not take precedence over the
interest of the organization as a whole. Islam means peace. Muslim means a person who
submits his will to the god Allah. This principle can be found in Hadees of Bukhari Shareef
where Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said “I swear by the one who owns my life, nobody can
be honest, unless and until he like the things for his brother (other Muslims) that he likes
for himself.”

9. wase or remuneration

In an Organization the workers must be paid reasonable and fair wage for their services.
Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) says that the worker must be paid before drying his sweat,
this helps to keep your workers and employees happy.

10. elimination of waste

Wastage—either in terms of: material, human capital, energy, machine utilization, or

processing time, creates inefficiencies resulting in the increase of costs and consequent
decrease in profits.

Continuous and aggressive pursuit of wastage elimination led Toyota to become one of the
most efficient manufacturing organizations in the world. Their success is thus based on two
principles:

1. Complete Elimination of Wastage; and

2. Equal Level of Respect for all.

Their success-story has inspired many companies throughout the globe, and adoption of
these principles and methodologies in these companies concerning continuous elimination
of waste is already underway.

The holy Quran has spoken against wastage and lavish expenditure in following words:
[17:26] “And render to the kindred their due rights, as (also) to those in want, and to the
wayfarer. But waste not (your wealth, time, health, Talents, opportunities etc) in the
manner of a spendthrift.”

[17:27] “For the wasteful are the brothers of Satan; and Satan is ungrateful to his Lord.”

[7:31] “O Children of Adam! Wear your beautiful apparel at every time and place of prayer:
eat and drink: But waste not by excess, for Allah loves not the wasters.”
These are the Ayaats Islam has given Muslims the golden rule of not wasting any thing. A
Muslim must also strive to eliminate any wastage around him, at home, workplace, or in
society even when faced with resistance. Following these principles an organization can be
able to produce best quality products at the least possible cost.

11. optimum capacity utilization

The following Ayats from the Holy Quran reveals another golden rule that a Muslim
businessman should learn from and practice in his daily life.

[2:233] “No soul shall have a burden laid on it greater than it can bear…”

[2:286] “On no soul doth Allah place a burden greater than it can bear… (Pray) Our Lord!
Lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear.”

These Ayats 2:233, 2:286 are emphasizing on the fact that physical, emotional, and
intellectual capacity of an individual is limited and not exhaustive. Additionally, since every
person is unique in his talents and temperament, and in his skills, it is important not to
burden someone with a task that is beyond his scope to deal with it. This is an important
principle of modern business management.

The principles mentioned in 2:233, 2:286, mean:

1. Do not over-burden any resource, whether it is a machine or an employee;

2. Do not under-load any machine or employee; and

3. Balance out the workload onto different machines or on different employees so that none
of them is over-burdened or under-loaded with regards to their respective capacities.

For Toyota these three principles are called Muri, Mura and Muda categorized under a
single principle called Heijunka, which means to level out the workload. Toyota Company
practices these principles almost religiously

If principle (1) is not implemented and the machines are overloaded, then a lot of work-in-
process inventory may pile up which will lead to added expenses in terms of material
handling and holding cost. If the employees are overloaded, they may feel frustrated, de-
motivated, and get tired very quickly, making them inefficient and prone to mistakes which
will lead to wastage of time and money.

If principle (2) is not implemented and the machines or employees are under-utilized, the
company will face an obvious wastage in the form of fixed overheads. Besides, idle
employees are bored employees and highly de-motivated to carry out even the work which
is assigned to them.

If principle (3) is not implemented and some employees are over-burdened while the
others are sitting in idleness, it will not only create a feeling of injustice in the minds of
those employees working but a sense of discrimination coupled with frustration and anger
which can easily ignite into a possible conflict.

These golden principles are not merely for business management but for every person
from every walk of life and profession. It is in fact a system of life as a whole (Deen).

12. the principle of quality management system

The Modern organizations finally realized that customer satisfaction is vital for their
survival and growth. This gave birth to the concept known as Quality Management Systems.
There are some organizations whose main focus is to satisfy their customers about the
quality of the product or service, and they never compromise on it. Interestingly enough,
such companies are many times more profitable over other companies who do not have
such intentions.

This golden rule of the Modern Organizations was also mentioned in the Holy Quran. .The
Holy Quran spoke about Quality Management Systems, and is mentioned in, 7:85, 11:84-85,
17:35, 26:181-182, 55:7-9, 83:1-3

The Holy Quran commands:

[7:85] “...Give just measure and weight, nor withhold from the people the things that are
their due; and do no mischief on the earth after it has been set in order: that will be best for
you, if ye have Faith.”
[11:84-85] “O my people! Worship Allah. Ye have no other god but Him. And give not short
measure or weight: I see you in prosperity, but I fear for you the penalty of a day that will
compass (you) all rounds. "And O my people! Give just measure and weight, nor withhold
from the people the things that are their due: commit not evil in the land with intent to do
mischief.”

[17:35] “Give full measure when ye measure, and weigh with a balance that is straight: do
not withhold from people (including customers) the things that are their due; …woe to
those who deal in fraud…”

[26:181-182] "Give just measure, and cause no loss (to others by fraud). And weigh with
scales true and upright.”

[55:7-9] “And the Firmament has He raised high, and He has set up the Balance (of Justice),
in order that ye may not transgress (due) balance. So establish weight with justice and fall
not short in the balance.”

[83:1-3] “Woe to those that deal in fraud,- Those who, when they have to receive by
measure from men, exact full measure, But when they have to give by measure or weight to
men, give less than due. Do they not think that they will be called to account?”

The author and researcher Jim Collins describes about two companies Sony and Merck in
his bestselling books titled “Built to last” and “Good to Great.” The founder of the Merck
believed that medicine is for the sick (end) and not for making money out of it (means). The
author states that these beliefs are even openly evident in their everyday activities within
their companies. It is a natural law that when “means” are recognized as “means” and
“ends” of human life are recognized as “ends”, only then the real process of socioeconomic,
intellectual, and spiritual evolution takes places and takes us to the extremes of our
potential.

For a Muslim businessman, there is no alternative but to satisfy his customer, for him,
profit is only a “means” to keep his business alive and to satisfy his customer i.e. the “end.”
Rest will be taken care by the God.
The Holy Quran authorizes this fact in 51:58

· [51:58] “Allah is He who is the provider of all Rizq (Livelihood), the Lord of all Power.”

· [2:212] “And Allah provides Rizq' to whom he wishes without any account."

Islam contains all modern quality management principles: According to Prof. AYKUT
KIRBAS the verses of the Holy Qur’an and Ahadith of the Prophet (peace be upon him)
contain all the principles used in modern-day quality management systems.

13. fulfilling contracts, commitments, & promises

To run a business successfully, a businessman should keep his promises that he has made.
Dr. Stephan R. Covey writes in his book ‘The 8th Habit’ nothing destroys trust faster than
making and breaking a promise.” This fact is applicable not only in the business
environment but also in our individual, social and political environments.

The Holy Quran has instructed the Muslims about this golden rule at several places:

· [17:34] “Allah says, ‘Fulfill your contracts. Contracts will be asked about.’”

· [16:91] “And the Almighty says, ‘Be true to Allah's contract when you have agreed to it.’

· [5:1] “The Almighty says, ‘O you who believe! Fulfill your contracts.’

· [61:2-3] “And the Almighty says, ‘O you who believe! Why do you say what you do not
do? It is deeply abhorrent to Allah that you say what you do not do.’”

14. Kaizen, JIT, and 5-S.

Jeffery K Liker in his book The Toyota Way has described that Toyota production system
today comprises of 14 principles and some of these principles are technically known as
Kaizen, JIT, and 5-S.

a) kaizen: the management jihad against inefficiency

Kaizen is a Japanese word meaning continuous improvement. To implement Kaizen, the

management of an organization should continuously seek to identify areas where wastage
is being done. Once identified, they then set out to analyze the problem, suggest a solution,
plan its implementation, implement it, and finally reviews the change for success or failure
(PDCA cycle).

b) just-in-time (JIT) system for inventory management

The concept of Just-in-Time invented by Toyota has revolutionized the Inventory

Management Systems in the manufacturing organizations throughout the world. It is based
on the golden principle of keeping only that much amount of inventory that is needed and
in order to avoid in-process buffer inventory as much as possible until it is completely
transformed into the finished good. JIT is an important part of Toyota Production System
(TPS).

A Muslim should be a born JIT expert. The Holy Quran spoke about JIT in 2:219, 9:34. The
Holy Quran instructs him in 2:219 that he should spend on himself only as much as he
needs and to give away the excess in the way of Allah.

· [2:219] “… They ask thee how much they are to spend in the way of Allah; Say: ‘What is
beyond your needs.’” (I.e. do not hoard)”

A Muslim businessman will never accumulate large amount of inventories (wealth) as it is

discouraged by the Holy Quran in 9:34, and so will refrain from going such a thing.

· [9:34] “O ye who believe! … Those who buy gold and silver and spend it not in the way
of Allah, announce unto them a most grievous penalty.”

Go & see for yourself (visual control)

Toyota calls it Genchi Gembitsu It works this way: in order to solve any problem, the
manager or supervisor at Toyota is obligated to go and see for himself the issue, analyze it,
and take corrective actions. Second hand information is simply not accepted because it is
considered to be unreliable, or at least not 100% correct.

This fundamental principle of business management is also mentioned in the Holy Quran.
· [17:36] “You shall not accept any information, unless you verify it for yourself. I have
given you the hearing, the eyesight, and the brain, and you are responsible for using them.”

A Muslim should know that the Holy Quran commands him (not asks him) to be very
cautious about the information he receives and to verify it for its accuracy before making
any decision or judgment or opinion.

c) 5-s

Is a set of 5 Japanese terminologies; each one of them states a very practical and important
golden principle. Almost all Japanese firms follow these principles in order to achieve
maximum amount of efficiency in their work.

1. SEIRI
The first step of the ‘5-S’ process, Seiri, refers to the act of discarding all unwanted,
unnecessary, and unrelated materials from any place of concern. It could be the workplace
or home or even a town.

This principle should be ingrained in the mindset of a true Muslim. The Holy Quran
mentions this in 17:27 and 7:31.

The Holy Quran Instructs: [2:219] “They ask thee how much they are to spend in the way of
Allah; Say: ‘What is beyond your needs.’

2. SEITON

‘Seiton,’ means orderliness, which is all about efficiency. This golden principle relates with
putting everything in an assigned place so that it can be accessed or retrieved quickly, as
well as returned to that same place without delays.

3. SEISO

Seiso consists of cleaning up the workplace and giving it a ‘shine.’ Cleaning must be done by
everyone in the organization, from operators to managers. Seiso cannot be achieved
without having mutual respect for everyone and an atmosphere of brotherhood.
Furthermore, it also requires an intrinsic desire and motivation for cleanliness.
The Holy Quran understands the importance of cleanliness and instructs its believers to
keep themselves clean at all times.

The entire system of Salat (Prayer) is a perfect example and an exercise to ensure that
Muslims obey and follow this golden rule at least five times a day, every day, throughout
their lives. A Muslim offers his Salat in a Masjid behind an Imam. He first performs ablution
which not only purifies him physically but also spiritually. He then stands shoulder-to-
shoulder with his brothers irrespective of any social and economic status behind an Imam,
and follows his instructions.

Similar should be the scenario in a workplace as well where everyone should feel
responsible to work passionately (worship in Salat), respect each other (stand shoulder-to-
shoulder), keep his surroundings clean (ablution and cleanliness of Masjid), and follow the
instructions of their superiors (Imam) without any resistance or laziness. Needless to say, it
is a perfect system.

4. SEIKETSU

The fourth step of 5-S is Seiketsu which more or less translates into ‘standardized cleanup.’
Seiketsu encompasses both personal and environmental cleanliness. People must practice
Seiketsu starting with their personal tidiness to keep themselves motivated and mentally
fresh. Visual management is an important ingredient of Seiketsu.

The Holy Quran also provides us with a standardized yet very comprehensive set of rules to
obtain and maintain cleanliness at all physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual levels.
One such standard is the five-time obligatory Salat which is also considered as the Pillar of
Islam. Another is ablution, the standards of which are clearly stated in Islamic Fiqh.

5. SHITSUKU

The last step of 5-S is Shitsuke which literally means ‘Discipline.’ This golden rule denotes
commitment to maintain orderliness and to practice the first 4 S’s as a way of life. The
emphasis of Shitsuku is on the elimination of bad habits and constant practice of good ones.
Once a person achieves the state of Shitsuke, cleanliness and orderliness is then voluntarily
and at times subconsciously observed at all time, without the need of reminders or
motivation. Shitsuke is the most evolved state of mind that incorporates all the previous
golden rules. It is too obvious for any rational mind to conclude how natural it should be for
a true Muslim to have this state of mind.

CONCLUSION:

Success and prosperity of an Organization or a Man is the outcome of commitment to

certain golden principles of life that are readily available to us in the Holy Quran. These
principles are independent, universal of and primarily aim at building a “whole” man
capable of achieving his true potential in the purpose of his life. The Holy Quran; the most
comprehensive divine book of the world has the solution to every problem and what
remains is the practical implementation of these principles in our socio-economic and
political lives.

Islam offers sound management principles that are timeless. Taken from the Noble Quran
and the practical example of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), these principles
have been applied for over a thousand years.

In the era of globalization where managers often find themselves managing a diverse blend
of people across continents, there is a need for universal principles for management. Islam
offers such principles and best practices that any manager can adopt for successful
management. For every practitioner of management, from aspiring team leader to the
seasoned CEO, these principles will prove to be invaluable as they are suitable for people of
all faiths and cultures.

MANAGEMENT LESSONS FROM BIBLE

The Biblical philosophy of management is derived from various management styles

stipulated in the Bible. God Created Man and put him in charge of the creation. He was to be
steward, a manager over what God had created. Management here is seen as a
responsibility to take care of what has been entrusted unto you.
Across the Bible and particularly in the Old Testament we find successful kings who were
able to manage wars and their Kingdoms. We see Daniel who the Bible describes as a
talented administrator. The ability to effectively manage is seen as part of the wisdom that
comes from God. Nehemiah also showed very useful qualities of Leadership.
The concept of management in the New Testament is that of servant manager. The mother
of James and John, the sons of Zebedee brought them to Jesus and respectfully asked for a
favour. She wanted her sons to sit on both sides of the throne of Jesus. Jesus indicated that
anybody who wants to be a leader must be a servant. (Mt 20:20-28) and Mark (10:35-45).
The Christian manager is to serve those under by helping them to reach maximum
effectiveness. The higher up the person goes, the more he is to serve. In fact, the head of the
organization is to be totally at the service of those under him (like a slave is to a master).

Authority
Most Managers use their authority to load it over the subordinates. In 1 Kings 12:7, King
Rehoboam chose to ignore God’s approach to management and tried to “lord it over” his
people. Rehoboam asked the Elder statesmen of the nation how he should lead the people.
They replied that if he could be a servant to the people he was going to succeed. But the
King ignored their advice and used his power to oppress, manipulate, and to exploit the
people. The result was a rebellion and he lost part of the Kingdom.
The Biblical approach is that the person should use his authority and power to serve the
people. The Biblical approach to management can be summed up as the “process of
meeting the needs of people as they work at accomplishing their jobs”.
A case study in the Bible that we can usefully principles in management is the people
attempts to build a Tower of Babel in (Genesis 11: 1-9).God came and confused the
language of the people. Key principles to be noted in case study here include:
•Commitment to work on a goal.
•Unity among the people
• An effective communication system
•Doing the will of God.
•Unlimited power is generated in an organization when people have a commitment to work
on a goal.
Talents and creativity
Another important concept in management is the use of talents and creativity. This is
illustrated by Jesus in the parable of the talents. Each manager who is given a resource to
manage is expected to be creative and multiply. God expects people to use their abilities
and talents effectively.
Therefore the Christian leader must encourage maximization of ability. God has given
people unlimited creativity ability for innovation and problem solving. People should then
be given opportunities for coming up with ideas. Gen. 11:6. God says nothing will be
impossible to them. That meant that there is a solution to every problem.

Empowering subordinates
In Mathew 4: 19 Jesus calls Simon Peter and his brother Andrew” Come, follow me, and I
will make you fishers of men” Jesus offered training to his disciples and opportunity to
them to put their ability to work. This is a mark of an excellent leader. Empowering people
to make decisions is another important principle in the bible.
Jesus Christ is the best manager and developer of human resource the world has ever seen.
He created a work environment and trained and developed a team that created a church
that is still existing 2000 years later in a rapidly changing industrial, political and social
environment. Two of the most important principles are: trust and giving people to
authority to make decisions.
It is trusting people to make decisions and this eventually gives people opportunity to use
their creativity. Jesus told his disciples to go yet into the world and preach the Good news
to all creation (mark 16:15).Mt: 28: 18-20, the great commission-all authority in heaven
and earth has been given to me.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father
and of the Son and holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded
you” the result of Jesus giving His followers power to decide how to reach people with the
gospel is seen a few years later when Paul and Silas were described as men who have
turned the world upside down (Acts 17:6).
Learning from failure
Another important aspect is learning from failure. There is a lot to be learned from failing.
Jesus demonstrated this when the disciples failed to heal a young boy; Mt: 17; 14-21. Later
they were able to heal a lame Beggar (Acts: 3: 1-10). Peter denied Jesus 3 times but still he
recollected himself and become a strong defender of faith and ready to die for Christ –(Acts
5:17-42).
Fear of failure can stifle creativity and reduces productivity. Failure can be one of life’s best
teachers if people are given an opportunity to correct their mistakes and succeed.

Recognize the people and their contribution

Recognizing people is also an important management principle in the Bible. This is clearly
demonstrated in the parable of the talents. Mt: 25:21-23- “Well done, good and faithful
servant. You have been faithful with a few things; I will put in charge of many things”.
Proverbs 3:27-“Do not withhold good to those who deserve, when it is in your power to
act”. Rom: 13:7-“Give everyone what you owe him; if you owe taxes, pay taxes, if respect,
then respect, if honour, then honour” the verses indicates that you give people credit and
recognition for their accomplishments.
Giving recognition costs nothing. Yet it is one of the most overlooked and least used tools of
motivation a leader has at his disposal. An American Consulting company while
undertaking an organizational analysis, an employee mentioned that “just once I wish
someone around here would tell me how I’m doing. I’ve worked here two years and I don’t
know if I’m doing a good or bad job. Sometimes I’m not even sure they know I work here”.
Recognition demonstrates that you need and appreciate people s contribution.
No one leader would say he or she does not appreciate the contribution of people. However,
many communicate that by failure to voice appreciation for their efforts. People need to
feel they are needed. Recognition satisfies this need. Ways in which we can recognize
people in organization.
• A pat on the back
•Greetings along the corridor.
•Eye contact
•Letter of appreciation, thank you or commendation.
•Employee of the year or month
•Special picture with the boss
•Special parking space
•Access to some special facilities.
Giving recognition stimulates people to use their creativity to achieve the group’s
organizational goals and objectives.

Teamwork
Another important principle is teamwork-A team is defined as two or more people moving
along a path of interaction toward a common goal. A team enables people to
accomplishment more than they could working individually. Ecclesiastes: 4: 9-13 “Two can
accomplish more than twice as much as one, for the results can be much better”.
If one fall, the other pulls him up but if a man falls when alone, he’s in trouble. Also a cold
night, two under the same blanket gain warmth from each other, but how one can be warm
alone. And one standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to
back and conquer, three is even better for triple braided rope is not easily broken”. Jesus
applied this principle consistently.
He formed team of twelve men trained them to carry on His work after He ascended into
heaven. Mark 6:7-13 –describes Jesus dividing His disciples into two man teams and
sending them out top reach the gospel, heal the sick and cast out demons.

Excellent working relationships

Another principle is good working relations. Psalmist -says “How good and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in unity: (Psalm: 133: 1). Paul echoed this theme by saying: I
appeal to you brothers in the name of Jesus that all of you agree with one another so that
there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and
thought”.
All relationships tend to begin in a cooperation style and remain there as long as all needs
are being met within the relations. When unmet needs emerge, the relationship moves into
a retaliation style, where one person or group is attempting to gain control over the other
in order to get needs met.
As soon as someone wins the struggle for control, a new relationship style develops-
domination. In this style the dominator uses others to get his needs met. As soon as the
dominated person or group realizes the situation is hopeless and their own needs will not
be met, they move into isolation style of relationship. This is the last type of relationship
prior to termination. Relationships should be kept at cooperation stage.

Planning
Planning is central in the Biblical perspective of management. Proverbs 24:3-4 “Any
enterprise is built by wise planning, becomes stronger through common sense, and profits
wonderfully by keeping abreast of the facts” God has a plan for every individual. Jr: 29: 11
“For I know the plans I have for you declares the lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm
you, plans to give you hope and a future”
God is the source of power to achieve plans. Proverbs 16:9-“In his heart a man plans his
course, but the lord determines his steps” Noah Ark was a perfect example of God’s master
plan for mankind. God also crafted a salvation plan for mankind through the entire Bible.
The Bible details God’s plan to save man right from the time he failed at the garden of Aden.

Decision making
Planning and decision making go hand in hand. The planning process involves the most
important and far reaching decisions a leader or a manager make. The entire planning
process consists of a series of interrelated decisions. The quality of any plans depends on
how good the decision is that make up the plans. All people in leadership positions have
one thing in common, that is making decisions that affect them and others.
How does one make right decisions? The bible gives the answer. Ps: 25:12-“Where is the
man who fears the lord? God will teach him how to choose the best” The hallmark of
making decisions according to the Bible is knowing God’s will. The challenge is always
knowing the will of God. The will is sought through the process of decision making.

Time management
Time is an important resource. Col 4:5-“Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders;
make the most of every opportunity. The following are time robbors.
•Poor use of telephone
•Reading junk mail
•Lack of clear priorities
Strategies for managing time:
•Time inventory-scheduling time
•Things to do list
Pareto principle- Named after Vilfredo Pareto-19th century Italian economist and
sociologist states that 80% of the value of a group of items generally concentrates in only
20% of them. For example 80% of the telephone calls come from20% of the callers. 80% of
the meals ordered in a restaurant come from 20% of the all the menus. 80% of the sales of
a clock-making company come from 20% of the models. 80% of the work done in the
organization is effectively done by 20% of the committed employees. By focusing on 20%
of the most important tasks, you achieve 80% of the goals or objectives. The vital 20%
input = 80% out-put. Planning work, what, when, how and who will do it. Analyzing the
time log-keeping record of activities over a given period of time and analyzing the activities
with the view of eliminating unnecessary activities and setting priorities right.

Delegating
Delegation consists of transferring authority, responsibility and accountability from one
person or group to another. In most cases it involves moving authority from a higher level
in an organization to another. Exodus 18:13-26provides an excellent case study on
delegation. The setting involves Moses leadership of Israelites on their way to Canaan.
Moses’s Job description included arbitration of cases among the Israelites, and he would sit
from morning to evening listening and coming up with verdicts of various cases that came
before him. Moses Father in Law Jethro observed the situating and urged Moses to delegate
the responsibility by appointing judges to arbitrate over cases.
Why managers do not delegate
•The job would not be done the way I would do it
•Subordinates lack the necessary training and experience
•I enjoy doing the work and therefore do not want to delegate.
•The subordinates are specialists and do not have the overall picture
•Somebody else will take the credit for the job.
The advantages of delegating include:
•Makes managers job easy
•Creates time to do more important tasks.
•Increases productivity, decisions can be made faster, wider scope of output.
•Develops additional leadership
•Is an effective way of recognizing employees and motivates and stimulates commitment.

Characteristics of a Christian manager

Applies the concept of servant leadership

In1 Kings 12-King Rehoboam was advised to be a servant leader, but ignored to advised
and loaded his authority on the people and this led to rebellion. The result was rebellion,
and led to division of the Kingdom-Judah and Israel. Rush (1988) states the following on
servant leadership:
The leader should look for ways to serve those under him. People have lots of needs to be
met. The weak need to be strengthened and encouraged. The sick need to be healed. The
stray need to be brought back. The lost need to be found….Keep in mind that the effective
leader uses his position and authority to serve the needs of others, not to force them to
serve his needs. The good leader or manager is constantly looking for ways to help his
people, to make their jobs easier, more satisfying, more meaningful and more productive.
1 Peter 5:2 “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers, not
because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be”.

Appropriately discerns situations

Christian manager understands that God equips leaders with the skills and qualities to lead
and that God places leaders in positions (John 19:11). Thus the leaders or manager must
have constant communication with God through prayer in order to keep in tune with the
leading of God in all situations. Prayer must be the first thing the manager turns to when
making decision. It should not be the last resort after all the techniques or everything else
has been done.
Serves as a role model
Christian manager should know that he or she sets the tone for the department. Employees
will evaluate the leader’s character to see what he or she believes and whether this
translates into acceptable behaviors and attitudes. The manager should remember that he
represents Christ to employees and personal actions must be consistent with true Christian
beliefs and principles-(1 Peter 5:3).

Treats Employees with Dignity

As image bearers of God, employees are worthy of respect and have the right to be treated
with dignity. The Christian manager must keep in mind that, in God’s eyes, all employees
are equal and equipped them with special talent and called each to his/her position.

Is committed to excellence
Paul wrote in Collosians-3:17, 23-24 “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the
name of the lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father …. Whatever you do, do
your work heartily, as for the lord rather than for men: knowing that from the lord you will
receive the reward of inheritance.” A Christian manager knows that the work done is not
for the boss or organization but for God and therefore one has to perform to the best of
ability.

Exhibit integrity
This denotes behavior in accordance with a strict code of values, moral, artistic, honesty,
entirety, the quality of wholeness, something without mark or strain, soundness, being a
leader integrity involves following through on what the leader said he or she was going to
do.

Practices participative decision-making

Christian manager must see to involve employees in decision making. Their input will not
only lead to making the best decision but will but it is the right thing to do.-(11 Samuel
18:3-4).
Delegates responsibilities and authority
Delegation goes beyond participative decision making. It involves a manager handing over
projects and tasks to employees for which he or she is responsible. It involves the following:
•Transfer of work
•Transfer of authority
•Acceptance of responsibility by the subordinate and to perform the work diligently
Importance of follow up and accountability by the person delegating. Delegation does not
mean abandoning all the interest in the work. The leader is still accountable and should be
available to give advice whenever the need arises.

Fosters team spirit

-The Christian manager should consider all the people in the department as a team,
working cooperatively with other departments so that the company as a whole will run
smoothly and efficiently. As a team leader the manager should try to foster an environment
where there is mutual trust and respect, where the manager and employees care about
each other are working together toward company goals and there is high level of
commitment in the relationships between people.

So in conclusion management is another word for stewardship. Stewards or managers are

responsible over something entrusted to them by someone else. Management is the
process of accomplishing god’s purpose and plans through proper use of human, material
and spiritual resources. Management is evaluated whether or not these plans and purpose
are accomplished.