Ramadan Fasting and Work Performance: A Conceptual Framework

This paper develops a conceptual framework that explains how Ramadan fasting affects work performance, an underexplored relationship in management and organizational research. Based on a synthesis of multi-disciplinary studies, the framework proposes that Ramadan fasting influences employees' work performance through physiological, socio-psychological, spiritual, and social dynamics. This relationship is mediated by employee well-being and moderated by several contextual factors that are related to employees’ individual characteristics, job characteristics, organizational environment, and geo-climatic factors. The framework predicts that fasting employees may exhibit a temporary decline in task performance due to fasting’s physical challenges in the short-run. However, fasting may foster self-discipline, motivation, adaptation, and spiritual satisfaction, which can improve work performance in the long-run. This research contributes to the organizational literature by integrating psychological, social, and spiritual processes in a framework that attempts to explain work outcomes. It also offers insights for organizations seeking to support fasting employees during Ramadan.