Identifying the Dimensions of the Conflict Between Religious Loyalty and Fairness in Professional Ethics: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the dimensions of the conflict between religious loyalty and fairness in the context of professional ethics using a qualitative approach. A qualitative study using thematic analysis was conducted. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 25 participants, including religious practitioners, ethics scholars, and professionals from Tehran. Participants were selected purposefully, and interviews continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. NVivo software was used to code and analyze the data. The analysis revealed three main themes: (1) Conflict in ethical commitments (e.g., clash between religious duty and professional neutrality), (2) Individual strategies for managing the conflict (e.g., role separation, religious justification, silence), and (3) Consequences of the conflict (e.g., moral fatigue and loss of inner coherence). Some participants also reported moral insight and ethical growth as a result of dealing with these dilemmas. The conflict between religious loyalty and fairness in professional ethics is a multidimensional, context-dependent phenomenon. Effective management requires deeper understanding of lived experiences, cross-disciplinary ethics education, and the development of inclusive organizational policies. While this conflict can cause harm if neglected, it can also serve as a catalyst for ethical growth and self-awareness.