Identifying and Ranking the Influential Factors in Developing Thoughtful Managers in Universities (Case Study: Farhangian University)

Abstract

Purpose: The present study aims to identify and rank the influential factors in developing thoughtful managers in universities, with a focus on Farhangian University. Methods and Materials: This research is applied in terms of purpose and employs a mixed-method approach for data collection. The sampling method in both the qualitative and quantitative sections was purposive. The statistical population consisted of faculty members of Farhangian University. In the qualitative section, data were collected using semi-structured interviews, while in the interpretive structural modeling section, the primary data collection tool was a researcher-developed questionnaire. Findings: The qualitative findings indicated that the development of thoughtful managers is influenced by ten factors: educational factors, development-oriented approaches, personality traits, managerial skills, access to information technology infrastructure, the university’s cultural environment, support from higher-level organizations, critical thinking among university managers, managerial knowledge, and self-awareness among managers. According to the results of interpretive structural modeling, the variables with the highest dependency were support from higher-level organizations, critical thinking among university managers, managerial knowledge, and self-awareness among managers. In contrast, development-oriented approaches, personality traits, and managerial skills had the least dependency but played the most significant roles. Conclusion: This study identified and ranked key factors influencing the development of thoughtful managers, emphasizing the role of organizational support, critical thinking, and self-awareness. Practical recommendations were proposed to enhance reflective leadership in universities.