Document Type : Exploratory

Authors

• Mona Ghafourian ¹
• Mahdieh Rezaei ²
• Mohammad Reza Sarmadi ³
• Reza Rasouli ⁴

¹ Department of Environmental Education, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran

² Department of Education, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran

³ Department of Education, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran.

⁴ Department of Management, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

The present study was conducted with the aim of developing a competency model for the occupational field of environmental protection education and extension, which is one of the specialized job categories of the Environmental Protection Organization. This research was carried out within a qualitative approach using the thematic analysis method. In this regard, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 experts and specialists in the occupational field of environmental protection education and extension, who were selected through snowball sampling. Data analysis was performed using the processes of open, axial, and selective coding.
Following the transcription and analysis of the interview data, eleven competencies were identified and extracted, including: initiator competency; audience psychology and cultural development competency; teamwork and social networking competency; knowledge-based competencies; specialized technical competencies; competencies related to the application of artificial intelligence and technology; individual and organizational development competencies; interpersonal and organizational communication competency; comprehensive analysis and problem-solving competency; effective management of project and program implementation; and personality traits. Subsequently, in order to validate the discovered model by the interviewees, their views were collected through a questionnaire encompassing the components and concepts of the model. Quantitative analyses of the collected data indicated expert confirmation of the proposed model. The core competencies and their constituent components can be used as an appropriate framework in recruitment, promotion, training and development, talent identification, talent development, and succession planning processes, as well as a specialized competency model for the job of environmental protection education and extension within assessment and development centers.

Keywords

• Competency
• Competency Model
• Job Family
• Environmental Protection Education and Promotion-Grounde theory

Main Subjects

• Modeling