Modeling Factors Affecting Organizational Envy among Farhangian University Staff (Case Study: Northwestern Provinces of the Country)

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to model the factors affecting organizational envy among Farhangian University staff.   Methodology: In terms of purpose, this study was part of applied research in which an exploratory sequential mixed methods research design was used. The statistical population in the qualitative section was specialists and experts in the field of educational sciences and organizational behavior management of Farhangian University in the northwestern provinces of the country in 2020-2021. The research sample was selected based on the principle of theoretical saturation; 24 people were selected using criterion-based purposive sampling. In the quantitative part, the statistical population includes all staff and faculty members of Farhangian University in the northwestern provinces of the country in 2020-2021; that is, 287 people of which 130 subjects were selected using the Cochran's formula and stratified sampling method. Optimal assignment based on degree and gender was selected as the research sample. The instrument used in the qualitative stage was a semi-structured interview and in the quantitative part, a researcher-made questionnaire was used. The validity of the research findings in the qualitative part was ensured by the methods of review by members, peer review, and participatory research. Also, in order to measure the reliability of the codings, two methods of reliability of retest (stability index) and thematic agreement were employed, the results of which were 84% and 82%, respectively.  In the quantitative stage, the content and face validity of the questionnaire were confirmed by the professors and its reliability was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha at 0.89. To analyze the data in the qualitative part, the content analysis method was used in MAXQDA 2018 software and in the quantitative part; structural equation modeling and confirmatory factor analysis in Smart PLS2 software were used.  Findings: Based on the research findings: 100 basic themes, 72 sub-themes were identified in the form of 7 main themes. The main themes included anti-citizenship behaviors, organizational culture, personality traits, distance between manager and employees (leader-member exchange), unfavorable organizational climate, lack of attention to organizational learning capabilities, spiritual leadership. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess the validity of the structures and to confirm each of the variables as well as the related items. To evaluate the adequacy of the model, a criterion was used to indicate the effect of an exogenous variable on an endogenous variable. In the results section of the criteria, the values obtained for endogenous structures confirmed the suitability of the structural model. Conclusion: According to the obtained results, university management can ensure the success of the organization under its management by identifying the factors affecting organizational envy and as a result by reducing and modifying envy in the workplace and creating a favorable organizational atmosphere with its spiritual leadership. Managers need to step up their efforts to create situations in which the organizational envy is controlled and try to prevent it from escalating into disruptive group work