The Role of Spiritual Intelligence in Resilient Leadership: An Islamic Perspective

Abstract

To date, research has focused on developing a resilient leadership model for entrepreneurs. Given the current economic and competitive business landscape, small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) leaders are expected to become more resilient to ensure organizational survival and to remain sustainable and relevant in the marketplace. Recent scholars have incorporated the element of spiritual intelligence as a dimension of a resilient leadership construct. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to discuss the importance of resilient leadership and spiritual intelligence by taking on the contemporary and Islamic perspectives. The final score of the four items measuring spiritual intelligence indicated a good level of consistency and reliability (α = 0.846). The themes that remained are self-consciousness, purpose-driven, self-determination, and devotional inclusivity. A review from an Islamic perspective indicated that quality leaders need to possess physical strength (al-qawiyy) and moral strength (al-amin). The development of these strengths would allow them to endure challenges, instill good values and be accountable as they understand that they are the guardians of their subjects (businesses and people). In addition, spiritual intelligence from an Islamic perspective also highlights four main components that include the heart (al-qalb), the spirit (al-ruh), the soul (al-nafs) and the intellect (a;-‘aql). The development and combination of all these four components would help leaders reach the level of “Qudwah Hasanah,” a true leader with the utmost awareness of his responsibility of leadership in his organization.