Design and Validation of the Model of Dimensions and Factors Influencing the Construct of Electronic Leadership in Governmental Organizations

Abstract

This study was conducted with the aim of designing and validating a model of dimensions and factors influencing the construct of electronic leadership in governmental organizations. In terms of purpose, the present research is applied; in terms of orientation, it is descriptive–exploratory; and in terms of research strategy, it is a mixed-methods (qualitative–quantitative sequential) design. In the qualitative phase, the phenomenological method was employed to examine and analyze the perspectives and experiences of experts in order to identify the dimensions and components shaping the electronic leadership model in governmental organizations and, based on that, to propose a conceptual model. In the quantitative phase, the developed model was tested and validated. The participants in the qualitative phase included academic experts and active managers in governmental organizations familiar with the subject of the study. For sampling, a non-probability purposive judgmental method was used, through which the researcher gained access to the opinions of 14 individuals. The statistical population in the quantitative phase consisted of executive experts (including unit managers and deputy general directors) and senior specialists at the central building of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance. For sampling in this phase, a random sampling method was applied, and Morgan’s table was used to determine the sample size, which was set at 86 individuals. The data collection instrument in the qualitative phase was the semi-structured interview, while in the quantitative phase, a researcher-made questionnaire was used. For data analysis in the qualitative section, the phenomenological method with three-stage coding (open, axial, and selective) was employed. In the quantitative section, after collecting the data through the questionnaire, the obtained information was coded and analyzed using SPSS and SMART PLS software at a significance level of 5%. The findings of the research indicated that the proposed model comprises six dimensions (main categories) and 32 components (subcategories), including: The dimension of communicational and interactional requirements, The dimension of the leader’s psychological requirements, The dimension of attention to employee alignment and synchronization requirements, The dimension of process-related requirements, The dimension of technical and professional requirements, and The dimension of guidance and strategic requirements. Furthermore, the quantitative findings obtained from testing the research model through structural equation modeling revealed that all paths between the variables were confirmed and, given the significance values obtained (p < .05), were statistically significant. In addition, the model was validated based on goodness-of-fit indices. For this purpose, indices such as the Normed Fit Index (NFI), SRMR, and RMS Theta were applied, and the results indicated an acceptable model fit.