Journal of Intelligent Strategic Management

Journal of Intelligent Strategic Management

Presenting a Model of Silent Power in Government Organizations with a Qualitative Approach

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 PhD Candidate in Public Administration, Department of Management, Hamedan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran.
2 Department of Management, Hamedan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran.
3 Associate Professor, Department of Management, Farahan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Farahan, Iran.
Abstract
The concept of "silent power" as a type of power that often appears informally, hiddenly, and without overt use, has attracted the attention of management and organization researchers. The importance of understanding and identifying this type of power, especially in bureaucratic and formal government environments, is crucial due to its impact on the decision-making process, coordination, and policymaking. The aim of the present study was to present a model of silent power in government organizations with an emphasis on the Iranian Tax Affairs Organization. This study was conducted with a mixed qualitative approach. In the qualitative phase, data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with academic experts and executive managers specializing in the field of human resource management. Sampling was purposeful and theoretical, and the data collection process continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. The resulting data were analyzed using inductive and semantic content analysis. The results of this stage led to the identification of dimensions, components, and indicators of silent power and the development of a conceptual model of the research. The findings showed that silent power in government organizations consists of four overarching themes including sources of authority, tools of influence, contextual contexts, and behavioral consequences. Also, organizing themes related to each of these dimensions were identified and explained.
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