Components of Merit-Axes in Imam Ali's View with an Emphasis upon Teachings of Nahj al-Balagha

One of the most significant subjects discussed on managing organizations and communities is merit-axes. In other words, this is the core issue of all activities of an organization. Concerning capability of manpower, one can find lots of works in western literature and the science of management. However, the present research attempts to survey and expound the problem of capability and efficiency of manpower by referring to Nahj al-Balagha as the base and by consideration of Islamicatmosphere of this country as well as significance of benefiting from religious texts in order to make institutions and organizations grow and develop. From Imam Ali’s viewpoint, merit-axes is the most significant principle of governing societies. He held that any position needs a specialskill and it is not allowed to appoint individuals regardless of their skills. Considering the fundamental question of “What is merit-axes in Imam Ali’s view with an emphasis upon teachings of Nahj al-Balagha?” it is attempted in this research to extract 332 codes and points related to merit-axes as well as 48 basic themes, and to recognize, classify, and expound six principal themes which organize capabilities of manpower (god-fearing, knowledge, insight, justice, strength, and health) through literature review, theme analysis, and benefitting from views of experts via a traditional approach.