Identifying the Causal Factors of Health-Oriented Leadership Using an Organizational Behavior Knowledge Approach in Governmental Organizations of Razavi Khorasan Province

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the causal factors of health-oriented leadership using an organizational behavior knowledge approach in governmental organizations of Razavi Khorasan Province. This applied research employed an exploratory mixed-method design. In the qualitative phase, grounded theory was used, while the quantitative phase followed a descriptive-survey approach. The qualitative sample included 14 experts selected from a population of 25 using snowball sampling until theoretical saturation. The quantitative sample consisted of 383 participants selected through stratified random sampling from 124,376 managers and employees. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and a researcher-made 13-item questionnaire. Validity and reliability were confirmed, and structural equation modeling was used for data analysis. The results indicated that awareness and training of managers and employees (β=0.786) and structural and bureaucratic barriers (β=0.625) significantly influenced causal conditions, which in turn affected health-oriented leadership (β=0.391). The model explained 39.1% of the variance (R²=0.391), and all path coefficients were statistically significant at the 95% confidence level. Enhancing awareness and training while addressing structural barriers plays a critical role in fostering health-oriented leadership, and systematic attention to these factors can significantly improve organizational performance in public sector institutions.