Professor, Department of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
Abstract: (6 Views)
The purpose of this study was to design and validate a model for coping with social erosion among elementary school principals in Ardabil City. The research was applied in purpose, mixed-method in nature, and exploratory in terms of design. In the qualitative phase, the grounded theory approach was employed, while in the quantitative phase, a descriptive-correlational method was used. The qualitative population consisted of university professors in the field of educational sciences, among whom 14 participants were selected through purposive theoretical sampling based on the principle of data saturation. The quantitative population included all elementary school principals in Ardabil City during the 2024–2025 academic year (N=217). Data were collected through semi-structured interviews in the qualitative phase, and analyzed using a three-stage coding process (open, axial, and selective coding). In the quantitative phase, data were gathered using a researcher-developed questionnaire based on the qualitative findings. Given the non-normal distribution of data, Partial Least Squares (PLS) confirmatory factor analysis was applied for quantitative analysis. Findings indicated that the coping model for social erosion among elementary school principals comprised the following components: spirituality and personal/organizational values, employee empowerment and motivation, leadership and organizational management, organizational culture and ethics, justice and meritocracy, social relationships and teamwork, organizational agility and dynamism, psychological well-being and stress reduction, and organizational productivity and performance. The model demonstrated satisfactory validity and goodness of fit (p<0.05). Ultimately, it is recommended that the results of this study be utilized as a practical framework and strategic guideline for mitigating social erosion among elementary school principals in Ardabil City.