A Conceptual Model of Social Autism Management in Iranian Governmental Organizations: A Thematic Analysis Approach
Keywords:
Social autism, government organizations, Management, conceptual model, Content analysisAbstract
The aim of this study is to present a conceptual model for managing social autism within Iranian governmental organizations, utilizing a qualitative research methodology based on thematic analysis. The research population consisted of academic experts, executive specialists in governmental organizations, organizational psychologists, autism researchers, and other relevant stakeholders in the field of social autism management in public sector workplaces. Sampling was conducted using a combination of purposive (judgmental) and snowball techniques, and thematic saturation was achieved after 17 semi-structured interviews. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the six-phase thematic analysis method proposed by Braun and Clarke (2006). To ensure the validity of the study, the criteria of credibility, transferability, confirmability, and dependability were evaluated and confirmed. The inter-coder agreement rate was reported at 81%, indicating high reliability of the analysis. Thematic analysis results yielded 151 semantic statements, which were categorized into 62 open codes, subsequently grouped into 18 axial codes and ultimately synthesized into 5 main dimensions. These five dimensions include: "Strategic and Cognitive," "Communication and Interactions," "Cultural and Structural," "Leadership and Management," and "Individual and Behavioral." By providing an integrated and operational conceptual model, this study addresses contemporary challenges of social autism in governmental organizations and can serve as a guide for policymaking and the promotion of inclusive workplace environments. The novelty of this research lies in its presentation of the first localized conceptual model for managing social autism within Iranian governmental organizations.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Naghmeh Keyhanian (Author); Mehran Mokhtari Bayekolaei (Corresponding author); Davood Kia Kojouri (Author)
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