Islamic Work Ethics as a Driver of Trade Sustainability in Algeria

This study aims to highlight the extent to which work ethics based on Islamic values contribute to the sustainability of trade among merchants in the M’zab region of Ghardaia, Algeria. To achieve this goal, a questionnaire was distributed to a random sample of 100 merchants, and 76 valid questionnaires were retrieved for analysis. Results show a significant relationship between elements of Islamic work ethics, such as religious commitment, honesty in work, truthfulness in work, good customer relations, and cooperation and sharing, but with varying degrees. Good customer relations and honesty in work showed a stronger correlation with the sustainability of trade among M’zab merchants. The survey results indicated that the elements of Islamic work ethics among M’zab merchants affect the sustainability of their trade, and 17.1% of the variation in trade sustainability in the study sample can be explained by different levels of Islamic work ethics elements.