A Model for the Emergence of Leaders’ Hubris Based on Interpretive Structural Modeling; Case Study: Government Organizations (in Persian)

Purpose: This study was conducted to present a model for the emergence of leadership hubris and how this syndrome is formed. Methodology: In terms of purpose, the research was applied and to collect data, survey method was used. The statistical population consisted of experts who were selected through snowball sampling method and the sample was based on the principle of theoretical adequacy. The present study combined both qualitative and quantitative approaches. In the qualitative part, the data collection tool was semi-structured interview. Coding method, together with Atlas.ti software, was used to analyze the data. Besides, in the quantitative part, questionnaires were administered and interpretive structural modeling was applied for data analysis. Findings: Results indicate that the formation of hubris model involving leaders includes four factors and stages as follow: predisposing factors, behavioral factors, the occurrence of hubris syndrome and the consequences arising from hubristic leaders. At the first level are the underlying factors that cause the shaping of hubristic behaviors which later emerge at the second level. Then, in the third level, they form the main characteristics of hubristic leaders. Eventually, at the final level of the model, the consequences of hubris in leaders occur. They include focus on decision-making, arrogant leadership, authoritarian management, irrational dominance, and weakening of their intellectual capacity. Originality: This research studies a recent organizational phenomenon called hubristic leadership and provides a model showing how it is formed. Thus, it gives some insight to managers as to the nature and function syndrome. Implications:the model of hubristic leadership, as described in the present study, provides suggestions for state organizations to try to prevent its formation as well as the complication and the harmful effects that this phenomenon may bring about.