Since the formation of International Standard Organization[i] (ISO) and with the introduction of ISO 9000, ISO 14000, and ISO 17000 series of standards, etc. there has been an increased awareness throughout the Islamic world for the establishment of an organization on the same lines as of ISO. Although no such entity has yet been formed but a group of committed professionals is exploring the possibility of the formation of such an organization which may be called the International Islamic Standards Organization[ii] (IISO). IISO will be an international no-profit organization committed for research, development and introduction of standards based on the Islamic Shariah[iii]. In addition to revisions and marketing of Shariah-based Standards in all the functional areas of management, IISO will stand committed to developing and supporting the complete infrastructure to support Shariah-based Standards including licences to third-party auditors, training of auditors, etc.
One of the foremost challenges facing Proposed IISO would be to develop or bring together all such standards which include global best management practices in different functional areas of management, and are also aligned with the Islamic Shariah. In this regard, substantial work has been done by various groups in Islamic Banking and Financial Standards as well as Islamic Accounting Standards. Adding to the list, is this modest attempt by the author, “People Management Standards”[iv] – the first-ever and the most comprehensive human resource management standards named IISO-8001. Hopefully, the standards in other functional areas of management will follow. Compliance with all of the management standards in the family of IISO’s Set of Standards may form the basis of prestigious certification as SC[v] (i.e. Shariah Compliant).
These standards could be enforced in all type of organizations, public or private, profit or no-profit, service or manufacturing, small or large, wanting to achieve business excellence and committed to enhance the quality of work life (QWL). This is the first issue of IISO-8001 and with periodic revisions, it will continue to evolve as interested parties identify areas of improvements as the markets and business conditions change.
These HR standards can act as guidelines to professionals in other areas, to come forward and start developing Shariah-based Standards in other functional areas of management such as[vi]:
§ accounting and finance,
§ purchasing and procurement,
§ production, operations and quality management,
§ marketing, advertising and sales,
§ supply chain management;
§ etc.
Moreover, standards in other disciplines, such as health, engineering, politics, banking, commerce and trade, environment, social accountability, governance, etc. can also be developed. The research, development and publishing of Standards is one task, which may be achieved by committed individuals or smaller groups. However, establishing a complete infrastructure to research and market these Islamic Standards and providing awareness and training, and certification of auditors as well as certification of certification bodies to provide third-party audit services to organizations desiring to achieve the certification against various Islamic Standards is a gigantic task, beyond the resources and capacities of individuals.
Insha’Allah, that day is not too far away when IISO will become a living reality and its Certification Mark “SC” would become as prestigious within Islamic world as that of “CE” mark, proudly marketed on the corporate letterheads.
[i] www.iso.ch
