Identifying the challenges, platforms, and opportunities of labor relations based on attracting elites to the IRIB

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 public administration of azad university, science and research branch

2 Government Administration, West Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran

3 Government Administration, Science and Research Unit, Tehran, Iran

10.22082/cr.2026.2087903.2922
Abstract
The present study aims to identify the challenges, contexts, and opportunities of employment relations based on elite attraction in the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) organization. The digital age and rapid technological transformation have confronted public media organizations with the necessity of attracting and retaining top talents; however, the traditional and bureaucratic structures governing these organizations often fail to provide a suitable context for elite flourishing. This research was conducted within the interpretive paradigm using a qualitative and exploratory approach. Data were collected through systematic literature review and semi-structured interviews with 20 theoretical and experiential experts. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, and the interview process continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data analysis was performed using thematic analysis with the assistance of MAXQDA software. The findings revealed that IRIB faces three major categories of challenges: structural-bureaucratic challenges, cultural-motivational challenges (dominance of personal relationships over meritocracy, lack of accountability culture, neglect of ideas and opinions), and communication-network challenges. In contrast, effective contexts for elite attraction were identified in four categories: cultural-value contexts, educational-developmental contexts, structural-managerial contexts, and communication-network contexts. Furthermore, the opportunities facing the organization include clear career paths, support for elites' personal goals, participation in challenging and research projects, involvement in strategic decision-making, encouraging out-of-the-box thinking, utilizing digital capacities, and interaction with internal and external stakeholders. The findings indicate that transitioning from traditional and hierarchical structures toward an agile, transparent, and learning organization is essential for achieving sustainable and effective employment relations with elites.

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 15 July 2026

  • Receive Date 02 May 2026
  • Revise Date 13 July 2026
  • Accept Date 15 July 2026