An Introductory Study on the Malay Work Ethics and Business Culture in Malaysia

摘要

The objective of the study is to analyze the pattern of work ethics practiced by the Malaysian Malay community in the business sector. Past literature reveal the notion that the Malays lack good business acumen, partly due to their background, as kampong folks that grew up invillage surroundings, hence they were more attuned to earning their keep as farmers and fishermen. Various negative perspectives were leveled at them, but history seems to divulge a different account. The olden Malays were indeed involved in various trade dealings as merchants, which was thenorm during the Malacca-Islam Sultanate kingdom’s golden era (14th Century). This study aims to identify the work ethics adopted by Malay entrepreneurs in making their mark in the business sector. Through textual analysis, findings disclose that external culture and Islamic values playa pivotal role in influencing the work ethics and business culture of the Malay community.