Islamic Public Administration (IPA) Paradigm (2): The Main Subject of Public Administration Knowledge and the Process of Interaction and Governance

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Imam Hossein University

2 Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Islamic Studies and Management, Imam Sadiq University,

3 Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Islamic Studies and Management, Imam Sadiq University

4 Faculty of Management & Economics, Tarbiat Modares University

Abstract

This paper is the second part of a comprehensive study aiming to explain the Islamic Public Administration (IPA) paradigm based on the thoughts of Ayatollah Khamenei (May Allah protect him). While the first part dealt with the main assumptions and socio-political foundations, this article focuses on the fourth dimension: “the process of administration and state-citizen interaction.” The main innovation of this research is presenting a model of state-citizen interaction in which, instead of dualistic and exchange-based relations, a network of mutual responsibilities with intrinsic motivation and popular mechanisms prevails. Using a modified deductive thematic analysis and implication research method on more than 7,000 excerpts from Imam Khamenei’s statements, the findings reveal a fundamental shift from static “relations” to a dynamic network of responsibilities: shared responsibility for preserving the Velayat system, mutual responsibilities between Ummah and Imamah, and internal responsibilities within each. Motivation is based on revolutionary and jihadi faith (intrinsic motivation). Policies are determined by God, while executors are accountable, and people play an active role in demanding and realizing policies. Governance mechanisms rely on “popular mobilization” (Basij), the dominant administrative procedure is “people entrustment” (Mardomspāri), and the focal point of the administrative process is “explanation, awareness raising, and insight building”. The study concludes that the IPA paradigm, grounded in monotheism, responsible human beings, Velayat, Ummah and Imamah, and the Great Jihad, offers fundamental distinctions and advantages over conventional Anglo American public administration paradigms. This research provides a comprehensive and systematic framework for future studies and practical models in the administrative system.

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History

  • Receive Date: 06 August 2025
  • Revise Date: 15 June 2026
  • Accept Date: 27 July 2026
  • Publish Date: 23 July 2026

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