This research design uses a mixed method approach. Both quantitative and qualitative data will be collected. The mixed method approach has been often used in recent research works on HR management, banking, etc. It enables researchers to use a few methods of research and several sources of data for the purposes of effective addressing numerous phenomena (Malina, Norreklit, & Selto 2011). The researchers agree that the use of the mixed method approach allows for creating a stronger research outcome, exploring more complex aspects, as well as relations between the human and social worlds. On the one hand, quantitative method use allows generating the results which can be applied to generalize about the populations; on the other hand, qualitative research allows effectively answering such research questions which start with “how” as well as “why.” (Yin 2004).

Under the quantitative paradigm, the data will be collected using the survey method and the tool of the questionnaire. The choice of this research tool aligns with the positivist philosophical background of the research. It is known that positivism seeks for empirical truths. It is not about observing phenomena (which is essentially subjective), but rather about seeking explanations for the phenomena. Epistemologically, it enables to bridge the researched phenomena with the theory (Malina, Norreklit, & Selto 2011).
In the context of the proposed research, it allows answering the following research questions:
RQ1 What are the implications of Islamic values for management in organizations in the Western world?
RQ 2 What is the relationship between Islamic values and human resource management?
RQ 3 What makes Islamic finance appealing in the West?
EQ 4 What are the main obstacles Islamic banking is facing when introducing the system in a new country?

The sampling for the quantitative part will (i.e. survey) will include workers of various Islamic banks in Qatar. Supposedly, the sample will include 200 employees selected without any preference. Random sampling technique is proposed to be used; in order to get an honest and representative response, adequate stratification will be used to represent views of male and female participants.

Quantitative data collection procedure will include sending questionnaires to the respondents through e-mail and through mail, as well as during personal visits. Data analysis will entail the use of SPSS software (abbreviated from Statistical Package for Social Sciences). Descriptive statics will be applied along with correlation and regression techniques of analysis. The data reliability and validity will be verified via the use of statistical procedures (Creswell 2009).

On the other hand, the phenomenological approach will be used to confront the phenomena and explore them. In particular, use of qualitative methods of data collection and analysis will help find new visions of the problem of how exactly the Islamic finance approach suits secular banks and how the values of Islamic finance be incorporated in HR management of a secular system. Research questions to be answered using this approach:
How can the obstacles faced by Islamic banking be overcome, especially at HRM level?
How can Islamic banking set itself apart from the “utopia” prejudice attached to it?
How can Islamic banking set itself aside from the Western Banking model?
For the qualitative part of the research, the method of interview will be used to collect data. The sample of ten HR managers from the Islamic banks in Qatar will be interviewed. Polit et al (2001) advise that no more than 10 interviewees should be selected in order to conduct an in-depth exploration in qualitative research. In-depth semi-structured interviews will be carried out with the use of tape recorder. The interviewees will be provided with the guarantee of strict confidentiality and assured that no identity of theirs will ever be disclosed in any publication. The selection of the interviewees will consider the length of experience at a given position and bank rating. Data analysis will be carried out through coding of the key themes. Secondary qualitative data will be obtained through documentation, i.e. studying of the HR departments’ information.

Political and ethical challenges that may arise during the research will be addressed in the following way. First, the participants will sign an informed consent. Permission of the ethical committee of the university may be requested. Politically correct questions will be formulated, as well as the participants will be informed about the aims of the research. Consent from the banks’ management will be obtained for the research.