Journal of Iranian Public Administration Studies

Journal of Iranian Public Administration Studies

Investigating the Implications of Shahid Motahari's Thought in the Analysis and Change of Human Action in Behavioral Policy

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Mikaeel Noruzi 1
Aliasghar Khandan 2
Alireza Chitsazian 3
1 Researcher at Rushd Center, and PhD Candidate, Department of Public Policy, Faculty of Management, Imam Sadegh University, Tehran, Iran.
2 Associate Professor, Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Islamic Studies and Management, Imam Sadegh University, Tehran, Iran.
3 Assistant professor of Business Management, Financial sciences, Management & Entrepreneurship Faculty, University of Kashan, Kashan, Iran.
10.22034/jipas.2023.335591.1376
Abstract
Behavioral public policy, an emergent field drawing insights from behavioral sciences, has gained considerable traction among scholars and policymakers within the last two decades. It offers promising avenues for addressing diverse societal challenges across health, education, environment, economics, and culture. The remarkable effectiveness and cost-efficiency of "nudge" interventions, as primary and widely adopted behavioral mechanisms, have rapidly led to the establishment of nudge units globally. Simultaneously, the nudge approach has faced scholarly criticism concerning its ethical implications, reliability, and long-term efficacy, paving the way for alternative frameworks such as "boost" and "nudge plus." Given the growing interest in this domain among Iranian academics and executives, this research investigates the foundational principles and mechanisms of behavioral change within behavioral public policy. It specifically explores the potential application of these principles within the framework of Islamic policy-making. Focusing on the comprehensive Islamic thought of Martyr Motahari, the study employs a "implication research method" to deduce implications for a holistic Islamic behavioral policy framework. The findings indicate that the Islamic perspective views human perfection through the harmonious interplay of intellect and will, leading to purposeful actions aligned with higher human ideals. This perspective adopts a growth-oriented and pedagogical approach to human action, emphasizing internal transformation and the deepening of insights as fundamental. However, it also acknowledges the role of external interventions and action facilitation as catalysts for profound internal change. In both forms of change, the transformation of inclinations is considered essential and foundational. Based on the Islamic worldview, an Islamic government can utilize behavioral mechanisms within Sharia boundaries to: (1) facilitate purposeful actions for the general populace, particularly concerning matters of practical intellect and in the initial stages of interventions; and (2) foster persuasion towards a specific policy, with an emphasis on transforming inclinations.
Keywords
Behavioral Policy
Behavior Change
Nudge
Shahid Motahhari
Implication Research
Islamic Management
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  • Receive Date 04 May 2024
  • Revise Date 10 August 2024
  • Accept Date 21 August 2024