Imam Sadiq UniversityStrategic Management Thought2383-089118420241221Modeling the Formation of Competitive Strategy in the New Media Industry Using Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM)Modeling the Formation of Competitive Strategy in the New Media Industry Using Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM)1427781610.30497/smt.2025.248400.3664FAVahidKhashei VarnamkhastiAssociate Professor, Department of Business Management, Faculty of Management and Accounting, Allameh Tabataba`i University, Tehran, Iran.0000-0001-8536-9867HamidRezaJafarianPhd student of Business Management, Faculty of Management and Accounting, Allameh Tabataba`i University, Tehran, Iran.0000-0002-7039-424XZohrehDehdashti SahahrokhProfessor, Department of Business Management, Faculty of Management and Accounting, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran.0000-0002-4736-224XHabibRoodsazAssociate Professor, Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Management and Accounting, Allameh Tabataba’i, Tehran, Iran.0000-0003-3842-0708Journal Article20250531The increasing number and diversity of actors and strategic challenges, such as technological innovation and digitalization, make traditional top-down strategy formulation ineffective in the media industry. Instead, an emergent model is needed to understand the development of competitive strategies. This study aims to refine a model that introduces and prioritizes components of competitive strategy formation among new media industry and employs a mixed-methods approach. In the first phase, data were collected through content analysis of library related resources. Then, the second phase involved quantitatively validating the qualitative findings using the Delphi method and then prioritization using interpretive structural modeling (ISM).<br /><br />The findings highlight three core dimensions—context, content, and process—in strategy formation, encompassing fourteen prioritized components which are proposed in four priority levels:<br /><br />First: Audience engagement, change leadership, rapid adaptation to challenges, innovation culture, application of new technologies, use of data and algorithms, and exploitation of dynamic capabilities.<br /><br />Second: Networked thinking, transparency in mission, and organizational willpower.<br /><br />Third: Platform-based approach, government rules and policies.<br /><br />Fourth: User awareness and satisfaction, alongside audience preferences and media consumption patterns.The increasing number and diversity of actors and strategic challenges, such as technological innovation and digitalization, make traditional top-down strategy formulation ineffective in the media industry. Instead, an emergent model is needed to understand the development of competitive strategies. This study aims to refine a model that introduces and prioritizes components of competitive strategy formation among new media industry and employs a mixed-methods approach. In the first phase, data were collected through content analysis of library related resources. Then, the second phase involved quantitatively validating the qualitative findings using the Delphi method and then prioritization using interpretive structural modeling (ISM).<br /><br />The findings highlight three core dimensions—context, content, and process—in strategy formation, encompassing fourteen prioritized components which are proposed in four priority levels:<br /><br />First: Audience engagement, change leadership, rapid adaptation to challenges, innovation culture, application of new technologies, use of data and algorithms, and exploitation of dynamic capabilities.<br /><br />Second: Networked thinking, transparency in mission, and organizational willpower.<br /><br />Third: Platform-based approach, government rules and policies.<br /><br />Fourth: User awareness and satisfaction, alongside audience preferences and media consumption patterns.https://smt.isu.ac.ir/article_77816_31fe123c7d311f0b9f4477771a1274ea.pdfImam Sadiq UniversityStrategic Management Thought2383-089118420241221Analysis of the model of Formulation and Agenda-Setting of Provincial Policy Issues: A Case Study of ZanjanAnalysis of the model of Formulation and Agenda-Setting of Provincial Policy Issues: A Case Study of Zanjan43807783210.30497/smt.2025.248430.3667FAسعیدنانیPhD student in decision-making and public policy, School of Public Administration and Organizational Sciences, School of Management, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.0009-0004-6086-1045TayebehAbbasiAssociate Professor, School of Public Administration and Organizational Sciences, School of Management, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.0000-0001-7596-9447Ali AsgharPourezatProfessor, School of Public Administration and Organizational Sciences, School of Management, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.0000-0002-1875-3479Mohammad MehdiZolfaqarzadeh KermaniAssociate Professor, School of Public Administration and Organizational Sciences, School of Management, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.0000-0002-6803-4616Journal Article20250603This study develops a model for identifying provincial issues and setting the policy agenda in Zanjan, addressing the research gap in provincial-level analysis. Using a Glaserian grounded theory approach and the Six C's framework, qualitative data from semi-structured interviews were analyzed through open, axial, and selective coding, yielding 111 codes, 55 concepts, and 14 core categories. Findings indicate that "provincial issue identification and agenda setting" is shaped by institutional-political centralization, socio-cultural disjunctions, and stakeholder power dynamics. Key barriers to evidence-based decision-making include limited economic-technological capacity, inefficient organizational culture, coordination gaps among agencies, and a shortage of skilled human capital. Triggering events, such as social crises, and demographic-environmental shifts often lead to reactive, short-term policymaking, causing governance inefficiencies and selective issue prioritization. The study highlights the role of informal networks and recommends establishing joint monitoring systems, strengthening participatory councils with guilds and academics, and leveraging big data technology to enhance inter-agency coordination and transparency, thus improving provincial governance and policy effectiveness.This study develops a model for identifying provincial issues and setting the policy agenda in Zanjan, addressing the research gap in provincial-level analysis. Using a Glaserian grounded theory approach and the Six C's framework, qualitative data from semi-structured interviews were analyzed through open, axial, and selective coding, yielding 111 codes, 55 concepts, and 14 core categories. Findings indicate that "provincial issue identification and agenda setting" is shaped by institutional-political centralization, socio-cultural disjunctions, and stakeholder power dynamics. Key barriers to evidence-based decision-making include limited economic-technological capacity, inefficient organizational culture, coordination gaps among agencies, and a shortage of skilled human capital. Triggering events, such as social crises, and demographic-environmental shifts often lead to reactive, short-term policymaking, causing governance inefficiencies and selective issue prioritization. The study highlights the role of informal networks and recommends establishing joint monitoring systems, strengthening participatory councils with guilds and academics, and leveraging big data technology to enhance inter-agency coordination and transparency, thus improving provincial governance and policy effectiveness.https://smt.isu.ac.ir/article_77832_5e0fdf10d7f4668e642dc12f58436101.pdfImam Sadiq UniversityStrategic Management Thought2383-089118420241221Managerial alienation: Emerging a grounded theory in public sectorManagerial alienation: Emerging a grounded theory in public sector811107784110.30497/smt.2025.248233.3660FAZohrehBehzadiMSc., Department of Management, Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Economy, Vali-e-Asr University, Rafsanjan, IranMostafaHadavinejadDepartment of Management, Faculty of Administrative Sciences & Economy, Vali-e-Asr University, Rafsanjan, Iran0000-0003-4496-6774Journal Article20250511This research aims to create a grounded theory regarding the phenomenon of managerial alienation in public organizations in Amol. The research strategy employed an emerging design of grounded theory, and the participants consisted of 22 employees from 7 public organizations in Amol, selected through theoretical sampling until theoretical saturation was reached. The core category explaining managerial alienation was identified as the identity failure of the manager, manifested in two forms: servant-oriented and self-serving. Servant-oriented identity failure arises from the manager's self-assessment and has a positive impact on their intention to leave the job, while self-serving identity failure stems from the manager's self-valuation, positively affecting their rumination. The dynamics of these relationships are presented in a model in the article. Metaphorically, the emergence of servant-oriented identity failure in an alienated manager is described with three concepts: a mere figure on the wall, a sycophantic servant, and a paper lion. Additionally, the concept of an abandoned master is articulated for self-serving identity failure.This research aims to create a grounded theory regarding the phenomenon of managerial alienation in public organizations in Amol. The research strategy employed an emerging design of grounded theory, and the participants consisted of 22 employees from 7 public organizations in Amol, selected through theoretical sampling until theoretical saturation was reached. The core category explaining managerial alienation was identified as the identity failure of the manager, manifested in two forms: servant-oriented and self-serving. Servant-oriented identity failure arises from the manager's self-assessment and has a positive impact on their intention to leave the job, while self-serving identity failure stems from the manager's self-valuation, positively affecting their rumination. The dynamics of these relationships are presented in a model in the article. Metaphorically, the emergence of servant-oriented identity failure in an alienated manager is described with three concepts: a mere figure on the wall, a sycophantic servant, and a paper lion. Additionally, the concept of an abandoned master is articulated for self-serving identity failure.https://smt.isu.ac.ir/article_77841_765a221ab948811fd0d40c9b2fe1f1c3.pdfImam Sadiq UniversityStrategic Management Thought2383-089118420241221Exploring the Role of AI Chatbots and Recommender Systems in Enhancing Conscious Purchasing BehaviorExploring the Role of AI Chatbots and Recommender Systems in Enhancing Conscious Purchasing Behavior1111447783510.30497/smt.2025.248386.3663FAVahidNasehifarProfessor, Department of Business Management, Faculty of Management and Accounting, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-7117-1152MohammadtahaEsmaeilzadeh AshiniDepartment of Business Management, Faculty of Islamic Studies and Management, Imam Sadiq University (AS), Tehran, Iran0009-0003-3344-1267MohammadMasteri FarahaniPhD student in marketing management, Department of Business Management, Faculty of Management and Accounting, Allameh Tabatabai University, Tehran, Iran0000-0001-6149-4823Journal Article20250529With rising consumer concerns about the environmental and social impacts of their purchases, this study identifies and prioritizes factors influencing the adoption of AI chatbots in mindful purchasing behavior. Such behavior reflects consumer choices that consider environmental, ethical, social, and cultural aspects. Chatbots can support responsible decision-making by providing real-time, personalized information. Using a mixed-method approach, the qualitative phase included semi-structured interviews with 24 online shoppers from five major Iranian cities. Thematic analysis revealed three main categories: individual, environmental, and technological factors. The quantitative phase applied the Level-Based Weight Assessment (LBWA) method based on evaluations from seven experts. A total of 43 codes, 14 organizing themes, and 3 overarching themes were identified. Key factors included environmental concern, privacy issues, social approval, perceived usefulness, and human-like interaction. "Perceived usefulness" ranked highest, followed by "localization," "personalization," and "cultural alignment," highlighting the importance of local values. Results suggest that culturally tailored, transparent, and needs-oriented chatbots enhance adoption. Future studies should explore cross-cultural comparisons, reduce tech anxiety through digital literacy, and assess long-term impacts on mindful purchasing.With rising consumer concerns about the environmental and social impacts of their purchases, this study identifies and prioritizes factors influencing the adoption of AI chatbots in mindful purchasing behavior. Such behavior reflects consumer choices that consider environmental, ethical, social, and cultural aspects. Chatbots can support responsible decision-making by providing real-time, personalized information. Using a mixed-method approach, the qualitative phase included semi-structured interviews with 24 online shoppers from five major Iranian cities. Thematic analysis revealed three main categories: individual, environmental, and technological factors. The quantitative phase applied the Level-Based Weight Assessment (LBWA) method based on evaluations from seven experts. A total of 43 codes, 14 organizing themes, and 3 overarching themes were identified. Key factors included environmental concern, privacy issues, social approval, perceived usefulness, and human-like interaction. "Perceived usefulness" ranked highest, followed by "localization," "personalization," and "cultural alignment," highlighting the importance of local values. Results suggest that culturally tailored, transparent, and needs-oriented chatbots enhance adoption. Future studies should explore cross-cultural comparisons, reduce tech anxiety through digital literacy, and assess long-term impacts on mindful purchasing.https://smt.isu.ac.ir/article_77835_2c42553992dd188f2d1b5a99c24a7366.pdfImam Sadiq UniversityStrategic Management Thought2383-089118420241221Distinction of Brand Associations of Mr. Masoud Pezeshkian and Mr. Saeed Jalili in the Fourteenth Presidential Election (Case Study: Students of Tehran Universities)Distinction of Brand Associations of Mr. Masoud Pezeshkian and Mr. Saeed Jalili in the Fourteenth Presidential Election (Case Study: Students of Tehran Universities)1451707783610.30497/smt.2025.248227.3661FAHassanVakilzadehresearcher/Rushd isu center0000-0003-1067-997XSaeedNaderi Asl,Political Sociology Group, Faculty of Islamic Knowledge and Political Science, Imam Sadiq University, Tehran, Iran0000-0001-6313-8937Journal Article20250514This research examines the brand associations of two candidates, Masoud Pezeshkian and Saeed Jalili, during the 14th presidential election among university students in Tehran. The primary aim is to identify and analyze the positive and negative mental images and associations related to these two candidates to facilitate the analysis and prediction of voters' electoral behavior. The methodology is qualitative, utilizing interviews and a conceptual mapping approach of brand associations. Findings indicate that Pezeshkian's political brand is associated with positive traits such as trustworthiness and simplicity, though negative associations like lack of planning also exist. Jalili's brand is linked with positive characteristics like revolutionary zeal and anti-imperialism, but also strongly connected to negative associations such as extremism. The results show that Pezeshkian's positive associations have greater influence due to their coherence and repetition, enabling them to overshadow negative associations. Conversely, extremism, as a negative association linked to Jalili, may adversely affect his brand image. The study demonstrates that political figures’ brand associations can significantly influence voters' electoral behavior.This research examines the brand associations of two candidates, Masoud Pezeshkian and Saeed Jalili, during the 14th presidential election among university students in Tehran. The primary aim is to identify and analyze the positive and negative mental images and associations related to these two candidates to facilitate the analysis and prediction of voters' electoral behavior. The methodology is qualitative, utilizing interviews and a conceptual mapping approach of brand associations. Findings indicate that Pezeshkian's political brand is associated with positive traits such as trustworthiness and simplicity, though negative associations like lack of planning also exist. Jalili's brand is linked with positive characteristics like revolutionary zeal and anti-imperialism, but also strongly connected to negative associations such as extremism. The results show that Pezeshkian's positive associations have greater influence due to their coherence and repetition, enabling them to overshadow negative associations. Conversely, extremism, as a negative association linked to Jalili, may adversely affect his brand image. The study demonstrates that political figures’ brand associations can significantly influence voters' electoral behavior.https://smt.isu.ac.ir/article_77836_f77de2cadca01da93f177e829604c56b.pdfImam Sadiq UniversityStrategic Management Thought2383-089118420241221A Model for Corporate Venture Capital Design Using Thematic AnalysisA Model for Corporate Venture Capital Design Using Thematic Analysis1712087784010.30497/smt.2025.247876.3643FAMojtabaNasrollahi Nasabtechnology studies institute0009-0004-0330-3135AhmadShabaniImam Sadiq University.0009-0001-1812-0233Seyed SoroushGhazi Nouri NaeinIndustrial Management, Faculty of Management and Accounting, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran.0000-0001-6356-0257AmirKhoramishad,Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Industrial Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran.0000-0001-6356-0257Journal Article20250310Rapid technological advancements and shifts in the business environment are driving companies towards innovation and enhanced competitiveness. In this context, Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) is recognized as a strategic tool to facilitate innovation and sustainable growth, involving minority investments by large corporations in startups. Successful CVC implementation faces numerous challenges, including balancing strategic and financial objectives. This research aims to design a model for structuring and organizing CVC within parent companies.<br /><br />The research methodology is based on thematic analysis, combining empirical data (expert interviews) and a review of existing research. The resulting model is a decision-support framework built upon 13 key components across four dimensions: structural, investment strategy, human capital, and organizational interactions. This model is grounded in contingency logic, offering 58 decision-making options to enable customization based on each parent company's objectives, maturity level, structure, and organizational culture. This framework provides practical guidance for managers and policymakers, considering local nuances, and by offering a cohesive and actionable framework, it helps fill existing gaps in CVC literature and enhances organizational capabilities in innovation management.Rapid technological advancements and shifts in the business environment are driving companies towards innovation and enhanced competitiveness. In this context, Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) is recognized as a strategic tool to facilitate innovation and sustainable growth, involving minority investments by large corporations in startups. Successful CVC implementation faces numerous challenges, including balancing strategic and financial objectives. This research aims to design a model for structuring and organizing CVC within parent companies.<br /><br />The research methodology is based on thematic analysis, combining empirical data (expert interviews) and a review of existing research. The resulting model is a decision-support framework built upon 13 key components across four dimensions: structural, investment strategy, human capital, and organizational interactions. This model is grounded in contingency logic, offering 58 decision-making options to enable customization based on each parent company's objectives, maturity level, structure, and organizational culture. This framework provides practical guidance for managers and policymakers, considering local nuances, and by offering a cohesive and actionable framework, it helps fill existing gaps in CVC literature and enhances organizational capabilities in innovation management.https://smt.isu.ac.ir/article_77840_64bff484e0b464b665ed2c4de6d6f5c6.pdf