Toxicity Management 360-Degree Framework from the lens of Surah Nuh of the Holy Quran Chapter 71; Evidence from Quran, Bible, and Contemporary Management Failures

Abstract

Purpose – This study examines toxicity management through a 360-degree analytical lens by integrating leadership responsibility, follower behavior, moral cognition, and long-term outcomes. Motivated by recurring organizational failures rooted in arrogance, resistance to guidance, and ethical decay, the paper addresses gaps in contemporary leadership literature that overlook spiritual accountability and intellectual humility. Drawing on prophetic leadership, the study focuses on the case of Prophet Nuh (A.S.) to explain why and how holistic toxicity management remains critical for sustainable leadership. Design/methods/approach – The study adopts a qualitative, conceptual case study approach using inductive, analytical, and descriptive methods. Primary sources include Quranic verses related to Prophet Nuh (A.S.), complemented by Biblical references and peer-reviewed leadership and management literature. The analysis systematically maps leader instructions, follower responses (toxic versus faithful), and outcomes to develop a comparative, theory-integrative framework. Findings – The findings reveal that toxicity persists when explicit warnings, adaptive leadership, and moral guidance are ignored, while faithful behavior—characterized by intellectual humility, critical reflection, and accountability—leads to sustainability and success. The study confirms that prophetic leadership principles align with modern theories of ethical, resilient, and adaptive leadership. Research implications – This research contributes a novel 360-degree toxicity management framework that bridges faith-based ethics with contemporary leadership scholarship. It offers a transferable model for organizations seeking long-term moral and operational sustainability.