Human resource development, motivation and Islam Muhammad Burdbar Khan School of Humanities & Social Sciences, Al Akhawayn University, Ifrane, Morocco, and Naeem Nisar Sheikh School of Engineering and Science, Al Akhawayn University, Ifrane, Morocco Abstract Purpose – An increasing number of human resource development (HRD) theorists and researchers are calling for a broader philosophical framework for HRD within management practice. The concept of workplace spirituality has received significant attention in this context. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the role of religion of Islam in filling this need for a spiritual philosophical framework and to highlight the lessons that can be learned from Islamic traditions. Finally, the authors call for revisiting some of the major motivation theories of HRD. Design/methodology/approach – After discussing relevant philosophical, spiritual and HRD literature, this paper proposes modification in expectancy theory of motivation. Findings – This paper emphasizes holistic education and human development in HRD. It proposes an enhanced role for objectives’ valence and value in organizational motivation. It also shows how earlier Islamic traditions had already practised the modern HRD principles. Research limitations/implications – Being conceptual and theoretical in nature, the suggested motivation model needs rigor, further testing and empirical analysis. Practical implications – The paper suggests that HRD ought to incorporate holistic education and human development as its main drivers. Furthermore, organizations need to put more emphasis on the value of ethical and normative objectives that may involve delayed or reduced gratification. Social implications – The paper implies that by giving more emphasis to the value of ethical and moral goals, organizations and human resources would be more responsible to social responsibilities. Originality/value – The paper proposes a new dimension in the expectancy theory of motivation and also provides justification for the role of spirituality as a philosophical framework in HRD. Keywords Religion, Islam, Human resource management, Corporate governance, Human resource development, Philosophy, Spirituality, Instrumentality, Motivation Paper type Conceptual paper Read in the name of thy Lord Who created; He created man from a clot. Read and thy Lord is most Honorable, Who taught to write with the pen. Taught man what he knew not (Qur’an, 96:1-5). 1. Introduction The importance of human resource development (HRD) in today’s world is widely acknowledged. The emphasis put on HRD has an indirect relationship with the profitability of the organizations (Paul and Anantharaman, 2003). The evolution of HRD as a concept is much older than its current understanding. Much of the earlier The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at www.emeraldinsight.com/0262-1711.htm Journal of Management Development Vol. 31 No. 10, 2012 pp. 1021-1034 r Emerald Group Publishing Limited 0262-1711 DOI 10.1108/02621711211281807 1021 HRD, motivation and Islam