A Transformational Model for Combating Administrative Corruption Based on the Teachings of Nahj al-Balaghah with Emphasis on Managers’ Empowerment

Abstract

This study aims to design and propose a transformative, indigenous model for combating administrative corruption based on the teachings of Nahj al-Balaghah, emphasizing managerial empowerment within Iran’s administrative system. The study employed a mixed-method design (qualitative–quantitative). In the qualitative phase, systematic content analysis of Nahj al-Balaghah and semi-structured interviews with 15 experts in public management and Islamic sciences were conducted. In the quantitative phase, data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire from 200 public-sector managers and employees in Tehran and analyzed through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The Soft Operations Research method known as SODA (Strategic Options Development and Analysis) was applied to validate and graphically map the conceptual model. Results revealed that informational transparency (β=0.62), public accountability (β=0.49), and managerial empowerment (indirect β=0.35) had significant effects in reducing administrative corruption. The findings further confirmed that Imam Ali’s managerial principles in Nahj al-Balaghah—particularly those emphasizing justice, transparency, accountability, and the selection of competent officials—offer a practical ethical framework for administrative reform and integrity enhancement. Integrating the ethical and managerial teachings of Nahj al-Balaghah with modern management principles provides an effective approach to counter administrative corruption. The proposed model highlights managerial empowerment as a transformative variable linking ethical governance with operational transparency, offering a strategic roadmap for policymakers to institutionalize integrity, justice, and accountability within Iran’s administrative system.