Spiritual Leadership and Organizational Virtue in Iranian Faith-Based Companies: A Qualitative Case Study of Private Sector Organizations in Tehran

This qualitative case study explores the interplay between spiritual leadership and organizational virtue in faith-based private sector organizations in Tehran, Iran. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with 25 leaders and employees from five faith-based companies, the study examines how spiritual leadership principles, rooted in Islamic values and Persian cultural norms, foster organizational virtues such as compassion, integrity, and justice. Findings reveal that spiritual leadership enhances employee well-being, organizational commitment, and ethical decision-making, mediated by a shared sense of purpose and community. The study introduces a novel framework, the Islamic Spiritual Leadership Model (ISLM), which integrates Maqasid al-Shariah (objectives of Islamic law) with organizational virtue constructs. Two key themes emerged: (1) spiritual leadership as a driver of virtuous organizational culture, and (2) the role of faith-based values in navigating socio-economic challenges. The findings contribute to leadership and organizational behavior literature by contextualizing spiritual leadership within Iran’s unique socio-religious landscape. Practical implications include strategies for fostering ethical workplaces in faith-based organizations.