Designing and Developing a Work-Life Balance Model for Iranian Organizations Based on Islamic Texts

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD Candidate, Department of Public Administration, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University Tehran, Iran.

2 Professor, Department of Public Administration, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Business Management, Islamshahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

10.30471/rsm.2025.10657.1429

Abstract

Introduction and Objectives: Work and personal life constitute two fundamental pillars of human existence. Achieving harmony between these domains is essential for maintaining physical and psychological well-being, while imbalance may lead to conflict. Although extensive research has been conducted on work-life balance (WLB), the majority of theoretical frameworks have emerged from Western contexts. Given Iran's distinct cultural and religious traditions, there is a critical need to develop indigenous models of WLB that align with Islamic values. While Iranian scholars have investigated this phenomenon, existing studies remain largely influenced by Western paradigms that may not fully account for Islamic perspectives on work and life. This study aims to address this gap by extracting WLB concepts from authoritative Islamic texts and developing a culturally-grounded model for Iranian organizational contexts. The proposed model seeks to clarify Islamic perspectives on WLB, enhance organizational understanding, and provide practical recommendations tailored to Iran's socio-cultural environment.
Methodology: Adopting a qualitative, inductive approach, this exploratory study employed thematic analysis to identify, analyze, and interpret patterns within Islamic texts. The research process comprised three systematic phases: (1) textual decomposition and description (involving familiarization, initial data extraction, and theme identification), (2) explanation and elaboration (including theme mapping and network analysis), and (3) synthesis and integration (leading to comprehensive reporting). The study fo cused on four seminal Islamic sources: Nahj al-Balāgha, Nahj al-Fasāha, Mizān al-Hikmah, and Mafātih al-Hayāt. Through rigorous examination, 638 relevant narrations (hadiths) were initially identified, subsequently categorized, and refined through iterative analysis until theoretical saturation was achieved.
Results: The analysis yielded a comprehensive framework comprising 93 basic themes, 27 organizing themes, and 9 overarching themes, systematically classified into three core dimensions:
1. Individual Dimension: Incorporating planning skills, health consciousness, personal responsibility, and resilience.
2. Organizational Dimension: Encompassing organizational support, managerial support, and colleague support.
3. Social Dimension: Including familial support and community support.
This tripartite model demonstrates the interdependent nature of personal, organizational, and societal factors in achieving WLB according to Islamic teachings. The findings reveal that Islamic perspectives emphasize a holistic approach to WLB that transcends individual responsibility, incorporating institutional and communal obligations.
Discussion and Conclusions: This study makes significant theoretical and practical contributions by developing an Islamic WLB model that challenges Western-centric paradigms. The research demonstrates that: (1) Islamic teachings provide a comprehensive framework for understanding WLB that integrates spiritual and temporal dimensions; (2) achieving balance requires synergistic interaction between individual, organizational, and social factors; and (3) organizational policies in Muslim-majority contexts should accommodate Islamic values regarding work and life.
The study acknowledges that scientific inquiry does not produce absolute truths but offers interpretive frameworks for further exploration. While providing valuable insights, the research invites continued scholarly examination of WLB in Islamic contexts.
Acknowledgments: The authors express sincere gratitude to Dr. Hossein Mirzaei (Faculty Member, Allameh Tabataba'i University) for his invaluable guidance and support throughout this research endeavor.
Conflict of Interest: The authors declare no conflicts of interest regarding this study.

Keywords

References

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