Ethical values and management practices in the Ministry of Education of the Sultanate of Oman : a case study /
This research aimed to explore the ethical values of employees at the Ministry of Education in Oman. It sought to discover participants' viewpoints on the current practices of ethical values in various departments of the ministry. It also aimed to find out the underlying reasons for malpractice...
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| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Kuala Lumpur :
Kulliyyah of Education, International Islamic University Malaysia,
2015
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | Click here to view 1st 24 pages of the thesis. Members can view fulltext at the specified PCs in the library. |
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| Summary: | This research aimed to explore the ethical values of employees at the Ministry of Education in Oman. It sought to discover participants' viewpoints on the current practices of ethical values in various departments of the ministry. It also aimed to find out the underlying reasons for malpractices and how to overcome the challenges of practicing accepted ethical values in the quest of enhancing the mission and vision of the ministry. Moreover, it intended to investigate if ethical values are added as a criterion in the promotion system of the ministry, as well as trying to understand the underlying reasons why educational officers quit their posts at the ministry in light of the practice of ethical values. The study is guided by Ibn Miskawayh's Ethical Theory and Herzberg's 'Two-Factor' Theory. The research utilized a case study design through a qualitative research method to understand the practice of ethical values in the ministry as perceived and practiced by selected general directors and heads of department. The research employed a purposeful sampling procedure. A total of 15 participants were selected comprising of 4 heads of department, 4 working employees, 4 retired employees and 3 general directors. The instruments used to gather data were semi-structured interview questions, direct observations and document analysis. The study implemented individual interviews and focused group discussion. The findings of the study are linked to Ibn Miskawayh's Ethical Theory and Herzberg's Two-Factor' Theory. The first one looks at the practices of ethical values from Islamic perspective. All the participants' perceptions and beliefs in ethical values were effectively similar and in agreement with Islamic values and this was expected because they are all Muslims. The second theory looked at the level of job satisfaction and its correlation with the practices of ethical values. The overall finding illustrated the powerful role of ethical values in executing and achieving the ministry's objectives. Ethical values were seen as crucial elements and being committed to these values is highly recommended. All participants need to know the importance of implementing proper ethical values in order to achieve the objectives and more importantly to be satisfied with their jobs. The finding presented the negative impact of non application of these values on the employees and on executing ministry's objectives. Most of the participants believed that the malpractices of ethical values had strong linkage to leaving various posts at the ministry. Furthermore, there were weaknesses in terms of implementing proper ethical values. The participants encountered various challenges in practicing proper values in their departments. They stated that the challenges are heavily centered on senior management and this is the main cause for non application of accurate values in some departments of the ministry. In response to the challenges, the study has suggested some important solutions in terms of applying accepted ethical values. The researcher hopes the findings of this study will contribute and assist the ministry in restructuring its strategy regarding the application of ethical values, especially in the promotion system of the ministry.As well as modifying its rules and regulations towards retaining its qualified employees. The findings provide an alternative model for Omani employees. This model is designed to look at the elements that lead to proper ethical values at the Ministry of Education in Oman and other ministries with similar situations. Finally, the current research presents some recommendations and directions for future research with deeper investigations on the topic of this thesis. |
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| Physical Description: | xv, 269 leaves : ill. ; 30cm |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references (leaves 200-210) |