Examining creativity and its obstacles in Islamic organizations

Examining creativity and its obstacles in Islamic organizations—especially through the lens of authentic Quranic texts—can provide an effective model for transformative management in today’s world. The present study aims to identify and deeply analyze both the enabling factors and barriers to creativity in organizations, with a particular focus on the teachings of the Holy Quran and reputable Shi’a and Sunni commentaries. Employing a qualitative method, this research utilizes the analysis of Quranic texts, statements of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, and semi-structured interviews with organizational experts. The findings reveal that, from the Quranic perspective, the main obstacles to creativity in organizations include intellectual rigidity, surrender to fatalism, neglect of divine remembrance, lack of collective wisdom, reinforcement of routine and blind imitation, lack of self-confidence, and a negative attitude toward change. Additionally, the Quran emphasizes the empowerment of intellect and prudence, the promotion of consultative culture and intellectual courage, the necessity of linking faith and action, and resisting the dominance of opportunistic groups. Accordingly, in order to enhance organizational creativity, intellectual, cultural, and structural barriers must be fundamentally removed and the grounds for innovation within organizations provided. The findings of this research, while presenting a theoretical model based on religious principles, also offer practical strategies for transforming organizational culture and fostering employee creativity.