Identifying the Dimensions of the Self-Knowledge Model for Managers in Iranian Public Organizations

Amid  Deilami Moezzi; Mehran Mokhtari Bayekolaei; Davood  Kia Kojouri

doi:10.61838/kman.ijimob.5.5.6

Authors

Amid Deilami Moezzi Department of Government Management, Chalous Branch, Islamic Azad University, Chalous, Iran

Mehran Mokhtari Bayekolaei * Department of Government Management, Chalous Branch, Islamic Azad University, Chalous, Iran Mokhtari@iauc.ac.ir

Davood Kia Kojouri Department of Government Management, Chalous Branch, Islamic Azad University, Chalous, Iran

https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.ijimob.5.5.6

Keywords:

self-knowledge, self-awareness of managers, managerial behavior

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to explore and identify the variables and dimensions of the self-awareness model for managers in Iranian public organizations.

Methodology: This qualitative research utilized a content analysis approach, drawing upon interviews with experts in the field of public management. A total of 10 managers and specialists in Iranian public organizations participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were coded using open, axial, and selective coding methods. The analysis focused on identifying primary themes and categories related to the self-awareness model.

Findings: The content analysis revealed 43 initial codes from 151 interview excerpts, which were categorized into five key themes: (1) Consequences of Self-Awareness, (2) Functional Factors of Self-Awareness, (3) Individual Factors of Self-Awareness, (4) Behavioral Criteria of Self-Awareness, and (5) Self-Awareness Skills. Among these, Behavioral Criteria of Self-Awareness was the most frequently cited theme, followed by Functional Factors of Self-Awareness and Consequences of Self-Awareness. Additionally, 90% of the respondents mentioned the importance of Behavioral Criteria of Self-Awareness, highlighting its significance in the self-awareness model.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that self-awareness plays a critical role in enhancing managerial effectiveness and improving performance in public organizations. The study contributes to the development of a comprehensive model of self-awareness for managers, emphasizing both emotional and behavioral aspects. The results underscore the need for managers in Iranian public organizations to focus on self-awareness skills and behavioral criteria to achieve better decision-making, performance, and personal growth. Future research should explore the application of these findings in broader organizational contexts and examine the impact of self-awareness on organizational outcomes.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Alotaibi, M. N. (2025). Participative Leadership as a Catalyst for Digital Transformation: Building Digital Organizational Culture and Identity. JoMW, 2025(2), 333-344. https://doi.org/10.53935/jomw.v2024i4.929

Alshammari, H. M. (2025). Creative Leadership and Institutional Excellence in the Digital Transformation Era: A Systematic Review. Journal of Ecohumanism, 4(2). https://doi.org/10.62754/joe.v4i2.6510

Asbeetah, Z., Alzubi, A., Khadem, A., & Iyiola, K. (2025). Harnessing Digital Transformation for Sustainable Performance: Exploring the Mediating Roles of Green Knowledge Acquisition and Innovation Performance Under Digital Transformational Leadership. Sustainability, 17(5), 2285. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17052285

bidmeshk, O. G., Mehraeen, M., & Ghaffari, K. (2022). Providing a Framework for Measuring Knowledge Management Maturity in Public Organizations: A Case Study of Ferdowsi University. The Journal of Productivity Management, 2(16), 23-49. https://doi.org/10.30495/qjopm.2021.1930028.3146

Caldwell, C., & Hayes, L. A. (2016). Self-efficacy and self-awareness: Moral insights to increased leader effectiveness. Journal of Management Development, 35(9), 1163-1173. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMD-01-2016-0011

Eriksen, M. (2009). Authentic leadership, practical reflexivity, self-awareness, and self-authorship. Journal of Management Education, 33(6), 747-771. https://doi.org/10.1177/1052562909339307

Eurich, T. (2018). What self-awareness really is (and how to cultivate it)? Harvard business review. https://hbr.org/2018/01/what-self-awareness-really-is-and-how-to-cultivate-it

Haris, A., & Nuraeni, N. (2025). Adaptive Leadership in the Era of Disruption: Integrating Digital Transformation, Organizational Culture, and Teacher Performance (A Case Study of Muhammadiyah High Schools in Cianjur Regency). Dinasti International Journal of Education Management and Social Science, 6(2), 1649-1661. https://doi.org/10.38035/dijemss.v6i2.3961

Henderikx, M., & Stoffers, J. (2025). Contrasting Insights: Digital Transformation Through the Lens Of higher Versus Middle Management. International Journal of Public Leadership. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijpl-08-2024-0092

Keshavarz Afshar, R., Keshavarzi, A. H., & Sohrabi, S. (2022). Designing an indigenous model of knowledge management in Iranian pubic organizations. Interdisciplinary Studies on Strategic Knowledge, 6(21), 7-32. https://issk.sndu.ac.ir/article_1838.html

Lawrence, E., Dunn, M. W., & Weisfeld-Spolter, S. (2018a). Developing leadership potential in graduate students with assessment, self-awareness, reflection and coaching. Journal of Management Development, 37(8), 634-651. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMD-11-2017-0390

Lawrence, E., Dunn, M. W., & Weisfeld-Spolter, S. (2018b). Developing leadership potential in graduate students with assessment, self-awareness, reflection, and coaching. Journal of Management Development, 37(8), 634-651. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMD-11-2017-0390

Manda, V. K., Christy, V., & Jitta, M. R. (2024). Ethical AI and Decision-Making in Management Leadership. 197-226. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-4147-6.ch009

Masoumi, M., Asadi, E., & Khojasteh, M. (2024). A Model for Smart Leadership Development in the Digital Age: Leveraging AI in Strategic Decision-Making. Intelligent Strategic Management, 3(3). https://ensani.ir/fa/article/597461/

Mirvis, P. (2008). Executive development through consciousness-raising experiences. Academy of Management Learning & Education, 7(2), 173-188. https://doi.org/10.5465/amle.2008.32712616

Morin, A. (2011). Self-awareness Part 1: Definition, measures, effects, functions and antecedents. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 5(10), 807-823. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-9004.2011.00387.x

Mubarakh, C., Miswanto, M., Siregar, B., Biyanto, F., & Kartika, F. (2025). The Strategic Role of Knowledge Management in Mediating the Relationship Between Servant Leadership and Organizational Value. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science, X(I), 335-352. https://doi.org/10.51584/ijrias.2025.1001027

Nasirpour, G., & Sadeghikia, K. (2022). The relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Effective Leadership among the Managers of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army staff. Military Science and Tactics, 18(59), 199-226. https://doi.org/10.22034/qjmst.2022.130444.1426

Nasrun, M. K. (2025). Accelerating Digital Transformation Through Digital Leadership: Strategies for Innovation, Sustainability, and Organisational Performance Enhancement. Bisma (Bisnis Dan Manajemen), 264-291. https://doi.org/10.26740/bisma.v17n2.p264-291

Odai, L. A. (2025). Navigating Digital Transformation: The critical Role of Knowledge Sharing and Digital Transformational Leadership in Boosting Innovation Capability in Sub-Saharan Africa. Business Process Management Journal. https://doi.org/10.1108/bpmj-01-2025-0120

Rubens, A., Schoenfeld, G. A., Schaffer, B. S., & Leah, J. S. (2018). Self-Awareness and Leadership: Developing an Individual Strategic Professional Development Plan in an MBA Leadership Course. The International Journal of Management Education, 16(1), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijme.2017.11.001

Sacavém, A., Machado, A. d. B., Santos, J. R. d., Moreira, A., Belchior-Rocha, H., & Au‐Yong‐Oliveira, M. (2025). Leading in the Digital Age: The Role of Leadership in Organizational Digital Transformation. Administrative Sciences, 15(2), 43. https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15020043

Shekh-Abed, A. (2024). Metacognitive self-knowledge and cognitive skills in project-based learning of high school electronics students. European Journal of Engineering Education, 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1080/03043797.2024.2374479

Sutton, A. (2016). Measuring the effects of self-awareness: Construction of the Self-Awareness Outcomes Questionnaire. Europe's journal of psychology, 12(4), 645-658. https://doi.org/10.5964/ejop.v12i4.1178

Sutton, A., Williams, H. M., & Allinson, C. W. (2015). A longitudinal mixed method of self-awareness training in the workplace. European Journal of Training and Development, 39(7), 610-627. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJTD-04-2015-0031

Weed-Schertzer, B. (2023). Self-Knowledge and Common Knowledge Self-Knowledge and Knowledge Management Applications. Emerald Publishing Limited. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80262-329-120231003