Identifying factors affecting the social capital of managers in Iranian-Islamic organizations (mixed research in education)

Social capital can aid educational managers in achieving educational goals and effectiveness. Therefore, this research aimed to identify the factors influencing the social capital of managers in Iranian-Islamic organizations within the education sector. The study employed a mixed method (qualitative-quantitative) approach using a sequential exploratory strategy. In the qualitative phase, the research community consisted of experts, professors, and individuals knowledgeable in human resources and social capital in education. A targeted sampling technique based on snowball sampling was used to conduct interviews with 20 participants. For the quantitative phase, the statistical population comprised senior and middle managers from the Tehran Education Department. A sample of 459 individuals was selected using cluster sampling. The research utilized a semi-structured interview guide for the qualitative phase and a researcher-designed questionnaire for the quantitative phase. Data analysis involved the use of open and axial coding in the qualitative phase and descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, and second-order confirmatory factor analysis employing structural equation analysis in the quantitative phase. The results revealed that the factors influencing the social capital of educational managers included support and networking, interaction and communication, talent management and development, extracurricular activities, enhancement of human resources, management factors, and organizational factors. The quantitative analysis, employing the partial least squares approach, confirmed the validity of the model through second-order confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling.