Identifying the Dimensions, Components, and Indicators of Cultural Management from the Perspective of Nahj al-Balaghah
Keywords:
Cultural management, Nahj al-Balaghah, cultural governance, thematic analysis, Islamic managementAbstract
This study aims to systematically identify and conceptualize the main and subsidiary dimensions, components, and indicators of cultural management based on the teachings of Nahj al-Balaghah. Adopting a qualitative and applied approach, the study employed thematic analysis. Fifteen experts—including university and seminary scholars familiar with Islamic texts and experienced cultural managers—were selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews and analyzed following Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis framework using MAXQDA 2020. Credibility was enhanced through prolonged engagement with the data, follow-up questioning, member checking, and triangulation of perspectives. The analysis yielded 140 basic themes, 28 organizing themes, and 7 global themes as the core elements of cultural management: managers’ individual and belief-based competencies, ethical–behavioral competencies, knowledge–professional competencies, behavioral–managerial competencies, Islamic organizational culture and values, governance and leadership, and cultural management. Additionally, 42 basic themes, 8 organizing themes, and 4 global themes were identified as subsidiary elements, namely cultural context and environment, Islamic work values and ethics, Islamic decision-making, and adaptive Islamic leadership. These findings indicate a multilayered, value-driven model of cultural management rooted in Islamic teachings. Cultural management from the perspective of Nahj al-Balaghah constitutes an integrated system grounded in a theocentric worldview, justice, human dignity, and ethical leadership, offering a comprehensive framework for cultural policymaking and governance in Islamic societies.
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