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Spiritual Leadership in Public Management: Insight from Moroccan Public Sector Leaders

Author

Listed:
  • Hakim Lahmar

    (UCA - Université Cadi Ayyad = Cadi Ayyad University [Marrakech])

  • Farid Chaouki

    (UCA - Université Cadi Ayyad = Cadi Ayyad University [Marrakech])

  • Florence Rodhain

    (MRM-SI - Montpellier Research in Management - Systèmes d’Information - MRM - Montpellier Research in Management - UPVD - Université de Perpignan Via Domitia - UM - Université de Montpellier, MRM-MPR - Management et Pratiques Responsables - MRM - Montpellier Research in Management - UPVD - Université de Perpignan Via Domitia - UM - Université de Montpellier)

Abstract

This study examines the challenges faced by public institutions in countries with strong cultural roots. It proposes a conceptual framework for integrating spiritual leadership within public organizations, with the aim of strengthening ethics and the moralization of public service. Adopting a qualitative approach, the study is based on 22 semi-structured interviews conducted with public managers. For the analysis of the collected textual data, we opted for a dual approach: a lexical analysis carried out using the IRAMUTEQ software (version 0.7), as well as a thematic content analysis. The results of the study highlighted four fundamental components of spirituality in public leadership: vision, faith and altruism, with religiosity added as a fourth significant element. This research thus validates existing theories on spiritual leadership while emphasizing the importance of considering cultural particularities in studying this phenomenon, thereby demonstrating the relevance of a contextual approach in analysing spiritual leadership. Overall, the study contributes to a better understanding of spiritual leadership in the Moroccan context, highlighting the central role of cultural context while acknowledging potential biases and limitations of the research. Future research should further explore the intersection of spirituality and leadership in other sociocultural contexts.

Suggested Citation

  • Hakim Lahmar & Farid Chaouki & Florence Rodhain, 2025. "Spiritual Leadership in Public Management: Insight from Moroccan Public Sector Leaders," Post-Print hal-05342279, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05342279
    DOI: 10.1177/09716858251358455
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-05342279v1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sandra Leonara Obregon & Luis Felipe Dias Lopes & Fabiola Kaczam & Claudimar Pereira Veiga & Wesley Vieira Silva, 2022. "Religiosity, Spirituality and Work: A Systematic Literature Review and Research Directions," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 179(2), pages 573-595, August.
    2. Tim Heubeck, 2024. "Untangling the Paradoxical Relationship Between Religion and Business: A Systematic Literature Review of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Religiosity Research," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 195(1), pages 191-214, November.
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