Motivation in Islamic Thought: A Thematic Analysis of Javadi Amoli’s Perspective

Purpose:
This study develops an Islamic framework for human motivation through a thematic analysis of Grand Ayatollah Javadi Amoli’s works, addressing gaps in Islamic management literature. It identifies core principles integrating spiritual and practical dimensions, offering insights for personal and organizational development within contemporary Islamic management contexts.

Design/methodology/approach:
Following Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis, ~40,000 pages of Ayatollah Javadi Amoli’s writings were analyzed. The process included data familiarization, code generation, and theme identification, culminating in a holistic Islamic motivational model encompassing spiritual, ethical, and behavioral dimensions.

Findings:
Three central themes emerged: (1) flourishing (growth of elevated motivations), (2) regulation (balancing spiritual-worldly desires), and (3) adjustment (aligning actions with ethical outcomes). The study highlights ‘aql ‘amali (practical intellect) as pivotal in harmonizing internal conflicts and guiding behavior, proposing a framework that bridges spiritual awareness with organizational strategies.

Originality/value:
This research advances Islamic management literature by transcending needs-based models, introducing a tripartite motivational framework rooted in Ayatollah Javadi Amoli’s philosophy. It uniquely positions ‘aql ‘amali as a mediator of human desires, offering a scalable model for modern management while fostering spiritual-personal growth.