Identifying the Antecedents and Consequences of Pluralistic Ignorance in Public Organizations

The objective of the present study is to design a model of pluralistic ignorance in public organizations. This research was conducted using a qualitative approach and thematic analysis method. The statistical population in the qualitative phase of the study (Delphi stage), aimed at monitoring the components obtained through thematic analysis, consisted of 15 experts and scholars familiar with the fields of behavioral management and human resources in universities and public organizations. In the first phase of this study, the theoretical foundations of pluralistic ignorance were examined. In the second phase, data collection was carried out using a variety of tools and methods, including library research and the use of books, dissertations, and academic journals (covering articles and theses published between 2010 and 2024 Gregorian calendar, and from 1390 to 1403 in the Iranian calendar, available on reputable domestic and international databases). The results indicated that, according to the influence-dependence power map, all variables related to antecedents and consequences exhibit high influence and high susceptibility to influence. Therefore, these are considered linkage variables. Only the variables of the spiral of silence (C1), perceived organizational support vacuum (C12), groupthink (C14), and group identity (C16) demonstrated high dependence and lower influence power, and are thus classified as dependent variables. Ultimately, a model of antecedents and consequences was developed and presented.