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Volume 13, Issue 4 (Iranian Journal of Ergonomic 2026)
Iran J Ergon 2026, 13(4): 296-306 |
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Ethics code: IR.PNU.REC.1403.743
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Jafari N, Omidi N, Saraei Talab M, Kermani M, Khosravi E. Designing an Integrated Model for Soft Skills Development of Bank Refah Kargaran Employees: An Empowerment Approach Based on Technology Management and Cognitive Ergonomics. Iran J Ergon 2026; 13 (4) :296-306
URL: http://journal.iehfs.ir/article-1-1121-en.html
URL: http://journal.iehfs.ir/article-1-1121-en.html
Nedasadat Jafari1 
, Nabi Omidi *2 , Mohammad Saraei Talab3 , Mohammadreza Kermani4 , Elham Khosravi4
, Nabi Omidi *2 , Mohammad Saraei Talab3 , Mohammadreza Kermani4 , Elham Khosravi4
1- Department of Public Administration, Islamic Azad University, Electronic Branch, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Management, Faculty of Management, Economics and Accounting, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran ,nabiomidi@pnu.ac.ir
3- Department of Urban Affairs Management, Islamic Azad University, Electronic Branch, Tehran, Iran
4- Department of Business Management, Islamic Azad University, Electronic Branch, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Management, Faculty of Management, Economics and Accounting, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran ,
3- Department of Urban Affairs Management, Islamic Azad University, Electronic Branch, Tehran, Iran
4- Department of Business Management, Islamic Azad University, Electronic Branch, Tehran, Iran
Abstract: (2013 Views)
Objectives: This research aimed to design and validate an integrated model for soft skills development, integrating technology-driven empowerment with cognitive ergonomics principles.
Methods: This study employed a mixed-methods approach with a sequential exploratory design. In the qualitative phase, in-depth interviews were conducted with 18 academic experts and senior bank managers selected through purposive sampling, and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis. In the quantitative phase, which employed a descriptive-survey design, the conceptual model derived from the qualitative phase was tested using a researcher-developed questionnaire on a sample of 395 employees from the headquarters and branches of Bank Refah Kargaran. Data analysis and model evaluation were performed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in AMOS (version 26).
Results: The qualitative analysis led to the identification of four main themes and twenty‑eight sub‑themes, forming the model's dimensions: technology-based empowerment, cognitive ergonomics considerations, contextual and organizational factors, and integrated soft skills development. The quantitative results indicated a good model fit, with all three predictors exerting positive and significant effects on soft skills development. Among them, contextual and organizational factors had the most substantial impact (β = 0.45).
Conclusion: These findings highlight the necessity of adopting a systemic perspective that recognizes the interplay among humans, technology, and organizational structures. They demonstrate that successful employee empowerment requires simultaneous attention to technological tools and cognitive ergonomics principles.
Methods: This study employed a mixed-methods approach with a sequential exploratory design. In the qualitative phase, in-depth interviews were conducted with 18 academic experts and senior bank managers selected through purposive sampling, and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis. In the quantitative phase, which employed a descriptive-survey design, the conceptual model derived from the qualitative phase was tested using a researcher-developed questionnaire on a sample of 395 employees from the headquarters and branches of Bank Refah Kargaran. Data analysis and model evaluation were performed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in AMOS (version 26).
Results: The qualitative analysis led to the identification of four main themes and twenty‑eight sub‑themes, forming the model's dimensions: technology-based empowerment, cognitive ergonomics considerations, contextual and organizational factors, and integrated soft skills development. The quantitative results indicated a good model fit, with all three predictors exerting positive and significant effects on soft skills development. Among them, contextual and organizational factors had the most substantial impact (β = 0.45).
Conclusion: These findings highlight the necessity of adopting a systemic perspective that recognizes the interplay among humans, technology, and organizational structures. They demonstrate that successful employee empowerment requires simultaneous attention to technological tools and cognitive ergonomics principles.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Cognitive Ergonomics
Received: 2025/11/5 | Accepted: 2025/12/24 | ePublished: 2025/12/24
Received: 2025/11/5 | Accepted: 2025/12/24 | ePublished: 2025/12/24
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