A Qualitative Study of the Ethical Decision-Making Process in Sensitive Occupations Based on Islamic Sharia Teachings

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the ethical decision-making process in sensitive occupations based on Islamic Sharia teachings using a qualitative approach. This research employed thematic analysis within a qualitative framework. Twenty-two participants from sensitive occupations in Tehran were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews and continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Thematic coding and analysis were conducted using NVivo software. The analysis yielded three main themes: "Factors Influencing Ethical Decision-Making," "Stages of Ethical Decision-Making," and "Ethical Challenges and Conflicts." Each theme included multiple subthemes such as religious commitment, situational pressure, organizational structures, problem recognition, consequence analysis, jurisprudential ambiguity, and value conflicts. Participants emphasized the central role of Sharia in guiding ethical decisions, particularly when tensions arose between religious and organizational values. The findings revealed that ethical decision-making in sensitive professions is a multifaceted process influenced by religious, organizational, and situational elements. Integrating Sharia principles with organizational frameworks and strengthening institutional support structures can enhance ethical behavior in professional contexts.