Presenting a model for employee motivation based on the lived experience of haj Qasem Soleimani in the public sector: Utilizing a tacit-to-explicit knowledge conversion approach

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

1 Ph.D. candidate in Public Administration, Department of Management, Bo.C.,

2 Department of Management, Bo.C., Islamic Azad University, Borujerd, Iran

10.47176/SMOK.2026.2010

Abstract

Purpose: Human resources are organizations’ most valuable asset, and strengthening employee motivation through transforming tacit knowledge into explicit knowledge is essential for improving performance. This study aimed to develop an employee motivation model based on the lived experiences of the School of Martyr General Qasem Soleimani in Iran’s public sector.
Methodology: This applied, cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted in two phases. In the qualitative phase, the lived experiences of Martyr Qasem Soleimani were explored through in-depth interviews with 12 experts familiar with him. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis based on the externalization process of knowledge conversion. Purposive and snowball sampling were used in the qualitative phase, while managers and human resource experts from five selected ministries participated in the quantitative phase. Validity was confirmed through researcher triangulation, and reliability was established using Cohen’s kappa coefficient (0/78).
Results: The motivation model comprised 35 basic themes, 35 organizing themes, and 9 overarching themes. Key dimensions included jihad-oriented human capital, a supportive organizational climate, identity-based, service-oriented, and spiritual-ethical motivation, emotional bonds with subordinates, risk-taking, delegation of authority, charisma based on moral influence, idealism, and a shared vision.
Discussion: The findings indicate that the model extends conventional motivation theories by incorporating spiritual, ethical, identity-based, and value-oriented dimensions, offering a context-specific framework for Iran’s public administration.
Conclusion: Transforming Martyr Soleimani’s lived experiences into explicit knowledge through training, behavioral guidelines, and managerial systems can strengthen employee motivation in public organizations; therefore, applying this model in management and training programs is recommended.

Graphical Abstract

Presenting a model for employee motivation based on the lived experience of haj Qasem Soleimani in the public sector: Utilizing a tacit-to-explicit knowledge conversion approach

Highlights

  1. A public-sector motivation model was developed from lived experience.
  2. Tacit knowledge was converted into explicit motivational knowledge.
  3. Nine core dimensions of employee motivation were identified.
  4. Spiritual and ethical values were integrated into motivation.
  5. The model offers a practical framework for public organizations.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Copyright ©, Afshin Bazgir; Mohamadreza Jaberansari; Mohamadreza Taheri Rozbehani; Hojat Taheri Godarzi

License

Published by Imam Hossein University. This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) licence. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article (for both commercial and non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this licence may be seen at http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode  

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History

  • Receive Date: 19 April 2026
  • Revise Date: 12 May 2026
  • Accept Date: 25 May 2026

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