Rethinking Strategic Management From a Sharia Perspective: From Competitive Advantage to Sustainable Maslahah

Abstract

This conceptual article aims to reconstruct the strategic management paradigm from an Islamic perspective by shifting strategic orientation from achieving competitive advantage toward sustainable maslahah, through the development of the Strategic Maslahah Framework (SMF). This research employs a qualitative approach based on library research (library research) through critical synthesis of contemporary strategic management literature, sustainability theory, stakeholder theory, and Islamic literature encompassing tauhid, amanah, khalifah, maqashid al-syariah, and maslahah concepts. The study produces a conceptual model called the Strategic Maslahah Framework (SMF), which integrates fundamental Islamic values throughout the strategic management process. Within this framework, competitive advantage is repositioned as an instrument to achieve sustainable maslahah, encompassing economic success, stakeholder well-being, social justice, environmental sustainability, and spiritual responsibility. The framework consists of three layers: foundational values (tauhid, amanah, khalifah, 'adl, ihsan, shura), strategic management process (environmental scanning, strategic planning, decision making, implementation, evaluation), and strategic outcomes (competitive advantage, stakeholder well-being, maqashid achievement, organizational sustainability, sustainable maslahah). This article provides conceptual contributions through expanding the strategic management paradigm by integrating economic, ethical, social, and spiritual dimensions within a holistic framework. SMF offers an alternative paradigm that addresses the ontological, epistemological, and axiological limitations of conventional strategic management theories. SMF provides conceptual guidance for organizations seeking to build sustainable governance, ensuring that strategy formulation considers impacts on social justice, community welfare, environmental preservation, and moral accountability.