Responsible consumerism

• Main Authors: Mhd. Sarif, Suhaimi, Ismail, Yusof, Zainudin, Dolhadi
• Format: Book
• Language: English
• Published: Sejahtera Consumerism, Department of Business Administration, KENMS, IIUM 2023
• Subjects: BPH106.3 Consumption. Principles of consumption. Halalan toyyiban; BPH830.3 Social systems. Urban groups. Cities and towns. Sustainable urban development; BPL27 Aims and objectives of education. Sustainable education; HF5387 Business ethics
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/106162/7/106162_Responsible%20Consumerism.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/106162/

This textbook provides students with exposure to consumerism with sustainable development. Sustainable development integrates all aspects of consumerism, applicable to both consumers and producers. Students will gain exposure on consumerism topics that include consumption, market players’ behaviours, consumer protection and tights, institutions, and systems of consumer protection. Moreover, this textbook incorporates Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12, that is to achieve prosperity, peace, and unity in the world through responsible consumption and production. This text is prepared for the course entitled Responsible Consumerism, and becomes part of a project at the Kulliyyah (Faculty) level. The Kulliyyah is related to multiple stakeholders that include International Islamic University Malaysia (the Host of RCE Greater Gombak), the internal Kulliyah community, and Consumer Association of Penang (CAP). CAP serves as a network partner of IIUM and RCE Greater Gombak in consumerism advocacy and a training provider for consumerism. The textbook project also incorporates the Falsafah Pendidikan Kebangsaan (PFK) or National Education Philosophy Malaysia, to create and sustain a peaceful, unity and prosperous world, and is known as Sejahtera According to Kamus Dewab Bahasa (DBP), Sejahtera is a Malay word which means aman (peace), makmur (prosperity), tenang (tranquility), senang (ease) and terpelihara daripada bencana kesusahan (free from any hazardous incidents). It can be translated as a condition or position where it is prospered and free from any hazardous activities or consequences whether right now or in the future. ] World. Sejahtera has a strong influence in Malaysia, particularly, consumerism. The textbook discusses the responsible consumerism that has been promoted by the United Nation Development Program (UNDP), specifically its 12th SDG Goal: Responsible Consumption and Production. Apart from that, the topic also reinforces the spirit of the National Education Philosophy (Falsafah Pendidikan Negara) that upholds a balanced development between Intellectual, Spiritual, Emotion and Physical (ISEP) aspects of human existence. With a strong support by International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) as a pioneer Islamic university in Malaysia that aims to imbue the Islamic values with the modern practice of knowledge, it welcomes the SDG goals promoted by UNDP. While adhering to the Shariah principles, IIUM has formulated its local genre of Islamic-based concept named Sejahtera[ ] Academic Framework (SAF) that portrays the elements of peace (aman), prosperity (makmur), tranquility (tenang), ease (senang) and protection from calamity of hardship (terpelihara daripada bencana kesusahan). All of these values capture comprehensive goals of SDG that promote prosperity in a sustainable way. The framework intends to produce a sustainable development of the earth intellectually, spiritually, emotionally, and finally, physically to humans and other beings. With regard to the human, two Rectors of IIUM have elaborated on the concept of Insan Sejahtera, i.e., current Rector, Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’ Dzulkifli Abdul Razak and the renowned Islamic scholar, late Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Mohd Kamal Hassan. Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dr. Muhammad Kamal Hassan has produced a book entitled “The Malay Concept of Sejahtera from An Islamic Perspective” by IIUM Press, 2021. The book elaborates comprehensively the concept of sejahtera that aligns both the Islamic perspective and SDG direction by UNDP. Incorporating the concept of Sejahtera in economics marks a significant step towards achieving a holistic and harmonious approach to consumerism. Sejahtera, rooted in Shari’ah principles and universal values, emphasizes the equitable utilization of resources and the just distribution of incomes among all stakeholders. This integration gives rise to a transformative paradigm known as "Responsible Consumerism." At its core, Responsible Consumerism encompasses more than just individual buying habits. It represents a collective commitment to fostering sustainable economic practices that not only benefit consumers but also uphold ethical principles and safeguard the well-being of society and the environment. Drawing from the spirit of Sejahtera, this approach transcends mere materialistic pursuits and embraces a profound sense of responsibility towards our fellow beings and the planet we inhabit. Through Responsible Consumerism, consumers are empowered to make conscious choices that consider the social, environmental, and ethical implications of their actions. By adhering to Shari’ah and universal values, these choices prioritize fairness, justice, and compassion in the acquisition and consumption of goods and services. This mindful consumer behaviour, in turn, fosters a positive impact on the entire supply chain, encouraging businesses to adopt sustainable and responsible practices. In the context of Sejahtera, the equitable distribution of incomes assumes paramount importance. Responsible Consumerism strives to bridge economic disparities by advocating for fair wages, decent working conditions, and inclusive opportunities for all stakeholders, including employees, suppliers, and local communities. By embracing this ethos, businesses can create a nurturing and inclusive environment where economic growth coexists harmoniously with social progress. Responsible Consumerism also places a strong emphasis on resource conservation and environmental stewardship. Guided by the principles of Sejahtera, consumers and businesses alike actively seek environmentally friendly and sustainable products. This approach mitigates the adverse impact of consumerism on the planet, promoting a balanced and symbiotic relationship between economic growth and ecological well-being. Furthermore, Responsible Consumerism encourages transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain. Businesses are urged to uphold ethical practices, shun exploitative behaviours, and prioritize the welfare of their stakeholders. By embracing these principles, they cultivate trust among consumers and build long-lasting relationships based on integrity and responsibility. Ultimately, Responsible Consumerism exemplifies the seamless integration of Sejahtera's values into the fabric of economics. It represents a transformative shift towards a more conscious, compassionate, and sustainable mode of consumer behaviour and business practices. By adopting Responsible Consumerism, we pave the way for a future where prosperity is not only measured by material wealth but also by the harmony, justice, and well-being it bestows upon all members of society and the planet. For practitioners, independent learners, learners in formal classroom the book should best be read chapter by chapter so that the readers are able to follow the presentation in a pre-arranged sequence. Despite this, anyone may be able to benefit from the contents of single chapters that may be read at convenience. The 14 chapters applied the same format. After the chapter title, one finds the learning objectives. Each chapter is presented with A SCENARIO that provides a light narrative of a student or a group of students relate themselves to the theme of the chapter. Any instructor or trainer may use the scenario to get the audience share their perceptions toward one of the issues contained therein. Each chapter ends with individual sections Chapter Summary, Key Terms, Discussion Questions, and References.