Analysis of Drivers and Barriers to Implementing Human Resource Diversity Models in Iranian Universities
Keywords:
Human resource diversity, higher education, Iranian universities, organizational barriers, policy frameworks, inclusive culture, content analysisAbstract
Objective: This study aims to analyze the drivers and barriers to implementing human resource diversity models in Iranian universities.
Methodology: A qualitative research design was employed using semi-structured interviews with 24 participants, including university managers, faculty members, and human resource specialists from various regions of Iran. Participants were selected using purposive sampling, and data collection continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo software to identify key themes and subthemes.
Findings: The study identified six main drivers, including organizational commitment, inclusive culture, legal and policy frameworks, recruitment strategies, professional development programs, and economic benefits. Conversely, seven significant barriers were highlighted: resistance to change, limited resources, cultural obstacles, policy gaps, managerial challenges, performance pressures, and lack of measurement tools. Organizational leadership and policy alignment were found to be critical facilitators, while resistance from staff and insufficient funding were major barriers. The findings underscore the importance of creating supportive environments and robust policy frameworks to successfully implement diversity models in universities.
Conclusion: Implementing human resource diversity models in Iranian universities requires a balanced approach to leveraging organizational strengths and addressing cultural and systemic barriers. Developing inclusive policies, providing adequate resources, and fostering a culture of diversity can significantly enhance the effectiveness of such models. Future efforts should also focus on integrating diversity initiatives with broader organizational goals and improving monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.
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