Document Type : Exploratory
Author
Associate Professor, Department of Public Management, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Presentation and Analysis of the Sanctuary Selectionin Managerial Structures: Causes and Factors for the Selection of Less Competent Managers in Lower Organizational Levels
Abstract
This study analyzes the phenomenon of “Sanctuary Selection” within the managerial structures of Iranian public organizations a process in which senior managers deliberately appoint weak and less influential subordinates to minimize potential threats to their positions and reinforce personal power networks. Over time, this behavior has become an unwritten norm, leading to consequences such as reduced efficiency, suppression of talent, and stagnation in organizational transformation. Adopting a quantitative, applied-developmental approach, the research employed a researcher-designed questionnaire and survey method targeting 174 managers, experts, and university professors in Tehran. Data analysis involved the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test for normality, exploratory factor analysis with varimax rotation, and the use of SPSS and LISREL software. Instrument validity was confirmed via KMO and Bartlett’s tests. Findings revealed four core factors explaining over 90% of the variance: organizational-managerial, intentional-strategic, cultural-social, and psychological-behavioral components. Key variables such as weak appointment systems, anti-elitist culture, personal power consolidation, and fear of job loss were found to play significant roles in shaping this behavior. The study concludes that “Sanctuary Selection” is a multi-layered, opportunistic approach shaped by structural, managerial, cultural, and psychological interactions within Iranian public organizations. Reforming this pattern requires major changes in appointment systems, organizational culture, procedural transparency, and administrative integrity.
Keywords:
Sanctuary Selection،Incompetence,Based Selection،Management Structure،Governmental Organizations.
Keywords
Main Subjects
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