Journal of New Advances in Educational Management

Journal of New Advances in Educational Management

Designing a Research Leadership Model in Educational Organizations: A Qualitative (Grounded Theory Approach)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
taghi Akbari 1
Mohsen nobakht 2
reza taati mahmoudabad 3
1 Department of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
2 . Assistant Professor, Department of Education Sciences, Farhangian University, Ardabil, Iran.
3 Educational Sciences, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili
10.22034/njournal.2026.565281.1085
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objective: leadership in research has become one of the most critical issues in the management of organizations and education. Given the growth of knowledge and the development of research, the role of research leadership in higher education has become increasingly prominent. The present study was conducted with the aim of designing a research leadership model in educational organizations.
research methodology: This research is qualitative in its execution method and fundamental in its objective. It was carried out using the Grounded Theory approach, following the Strauss and Corbin method. The target population consisted of experienced managers and faculty members in the higher education sector of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Theoretical sampling was employed in this study. The primary source for data collection was semi-structured interviews, conducted until theoretical saturation was reached. In total, 14 interviews were conducted. To ensure the validity of the data, three methods were used: researcher’s position, triangulation, and auditing by a peer reviewer. After data collection, the codes related to the transcribed interviews were analyzed using a three-stage coding process: open, axial, and selective coding. Subsequently, the research leadership model in educational organizations was designed.
Findings: The findings show that research leadership in educational organizations (higher education) is based on 81 codes and 8 categories and 6 social contexts, causal factors, contextual factors, intervening factors, strategies,and outcomes. These 8 categories include motivational characteristics, having a vision and goal, research skills, resources and infrastructure, scientific and organizational synergy, development of research behaviors,team building and team management, and intellectual advancement in research leadership.
Conclusion: According to the results of the research leadership model in educational organizations, this model can help improve knowledge and intellectual promotion of leaders by intellectual promotion of research leaders and prevent waste of resources and contribute to the intellectual enrichment of research organizations.
Keywords
Leadership
Research
Research Leadership
Educational Organizations
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  • Receive Date 31 December 2025
  • Revise Date 24 January 2026
  • Accept Date 20 February 2026
  • Publish Date 21 March 2026