Journal of Iranian Public Administration Studies

Journal of Iranian Public Administration Studies

Exploring the Themes of Democracy in the Administrative System Based on Islamic Teachings

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Hamed Mohammadi
PhD, Public Administration, Faculty of Management and Accounting, Islamic Azad University of Qazvin, Qazvin, Iran.
10.22034/jipas.2024.369413.1505
Abstract
Objective: Democracy is an ideal that national leaders consistently emphasize in both rhetoric and practice. The institutionalization of this ideal requires administrative systems to possess adequate administrative, economic, social, and political capacities. In this regard, the role of rulers and political leaders in building capacity and renewing the administrative system within the framework of prevailing societal values is of critical importance. Given that Iran’s public sector is founded upon religious values, the primary objective of this study is to enhance democracy within Iran’s administrative system in light of Islamic teachings.
Methodology: This study adopts a qualitative research approach. Since Iran’s public sector is grounded in Islamic values, religious sources-specifically the Qur’an and Nahj al-Balagha-were consulted to explicate the themes of democracy within the administrative system. The data extracted from these texts were analyzed using thematic analysis. As the study sought to identify and uncover the underlying themes of democracy in the administrative system, it followed an exploratory research design.
Findings: Through an in-depth examination of religious sources, selected propositions were extracted from the texts. To ensure accurate interpretation, each proposition underwent multiple stages of review, monitoring, and refinement so that the implicit meanings embedded in the texts could be precisely understood by the researcher. Following coding and analysis, 21 basic themes, 14 organizing themes, and five global themes of democracy in Iran’s administrative system were identified. Subsequently, a thematic network was developed across three levels: (1) the core concept (democracy); (2) five global themes—namely, the political duties of rulers toward the people, the economic duties of rulers toward the people, the managerial duties of rulers toward the people, the social duties of rulers toward the people, and the legal and juridical duties of rulers toward the people; and (3) the expansion of these global themes into 14 organizing themes, including enhancing political participation of all citizens, governance based on the will of the people, attention to the public interest through equitable distribution of income and wealth, purification of government revenue instruments, creation of psychological security in society, self-purification and moral refinement, respect for citizens’ rights, rule of law and adherence to legal principles, governmental reform through enabling public criticism, governance and social development grounded in scientific rationality, appointment of qualified individuals to public office, and the promotion of transparency in the performance of public organizations.
Conclusion: The administrative system of any country should be shaped and guided by the dominant values of its society and oriented toward serving the people; under such conditions, increased public trust and governmental legitimacy can be expected. The findings of this study can assist leaders, policymakers, and public managers in improving governance by institutionalizing democratic themes and designing the administrative and political system of the country in alignment with these principles.
Keywords
Democracy
Administrative System
Islamic Teachings
Thematic Analysis
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Journal of Iranian Public Administration Studies
Volume 8, Issue 2 - Serial Number 28
Summer 2025
Pages 131-151

  • Receive Date 11 November 2023
  • Revise Date 28 March 2024
  • Accept Date 09 April 2024