Designing an Iranian–Islamic Lifestyle Model for Managers Based on Compassionate Management: A Qualitative Study

Manzar  Keshavarzfatideh; Alireza Mohammadi Nejad Ganji; Mojgan  Abdollahi

doi:10.61838/4bs5q293

Authors

Manzar Keshavarzfatideh Department of Educational Sciences, Ka.C., Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0009-0006-9670-6527
Alireza Mohammadi Nejad Ganji Department of Educational Sciences, Ka.C., Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2400-0043
Mojgan Abdollahi Department of Educational Sciences, Ka.C., Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6420-4390

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61838/4bs5q293

Keywords:

Iranian–Islamic lifestyle, compassionate management, managers, model development, qualitative research

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to design an Iranian–Islamic lifestyle model for managers based on the principles and components of compassionate management.

Methods and Materials: This applied qualitative study employed an exploratory design and content analysis approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews as well as a review of the relevant theoretical and empirical literature. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, and recruitment continued until theoretical saturation was achieved, resulting in a final sample of 15 participants. The credibility and trustworthiness of the qualitative data were established through confirmability procedures. Data analysis was conducted systematically using three stages of coding, including open, axial, and selective coding, to identify, organize, and integrate the main categories and subcategories constituting the proposed Iranian–Islamic managerial lifestyle model grounded in compassionate management.

Findings: The qualitative analysis resulted in the identification of five major dimensions of the proposed model. The personal growth and development dimension comprised strengthening responsibility, reducing feelings of career plateau, fostering creativity and innovation, encouraging study and reflection, and strengthening faith and spirituality. The ethical dimension included promoting mutual respect, developing employee commitment, observing ethical principles, fostering discipline, and establishing justice based on kindness. The social interaction dimension encompassed enhancing employee happiness, developing an organizational culture of support, establishing humane and high-quality relationships, attending to employees’ interests and needs, creating a participatory and interactive environment, and promoting meritocracy and effectiveness. The identity and cultural dimension involved promoting Iranian–Islamic culture and identity and drawing upon Iranian–Islamic teachings. Finally, the educational dimension included implementing educational programs, designing curricula based on compassionate management, applying appropriate compassion-oriented instructional approaches, and conducting extracurricular activities intended to strengthen compassion within managerial and organizational practices.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that an Iranian–Islamic lifestyle model for managers based on compassionate management is a multidimensional framework integrating personal development, ethical conduct, constructive social relationships, cultural and religious identity, and education. Applying this model may contribute to more humane, value-oriented, supportive, and ethically grounded managerial practices consistent with Iranian–Islamic principles.

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