Influential Factors in the construction of Retirement Fund Crises in Iran from Stakeholders' Perspective (With a Focus on the Social Security Organization)

Given the ongoing global demographic shift toward an aging population and the consequent rise in retirement fund expenditures, nearly all such funds are grappling with a critical situation. Furthermore, the remarkable dynamism of today's social and economic conditions worldwide necessitates a reevaluation of various institutions over relatively short periods. The survival of public organizations in these changing conditions depends on their adaptability, flexibility, and alignment with the economic and social environment while remaining committed to their core objectives. Hence, for formulating effective strategies to navigate these adaptations, understanding the factors contributing to the retirement fund crisis is of increasing importance. The primary focus of this research is to investigate the influential factors in the formation of retirement fund crises from the perspective of key stakeholders. This study employs a qualitative methodology, specifically content analysis, utilizing interview data as the data collection tool and employing content analysis as the analytical approach. The findings of the research reveal that, from the stakeholders' viewpoint, the causes of the crisis are perceived in four domains: "economic recession," "lack of expertise and specialization," "diminished trust in the organization," and "the organization as a secluded enclave of government." The "support ratio" domain emerges as one of the most critical factors contributing to the issue, as it relates directly to the "economic crisis" in society, leading to a decrease in productive investments.