Developing a Model for Empowerment of Faculty Members in Islamic Azad University: A Qualitative Study

Background: Faculty members are one of the most valuable vital factors of the universities. T herefore, paying attention to their empowerment is an inevitable necessity. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to develop a model for empowerment of the faculty members of the Islamic Azad University. Methods: Ths qualitative study was conducted using the grounded theory approach. Using the purposive sampling method, 13 faculty members of Islamic Azad University were selected and subjected to semi-structured interviews. Strauss and Corbin method was used to analyze the interviews in three stages of open, axial, and selective coding. Results: Based on the obtained data, 11 main categories, and 29 subcategories were extracted as dimensions and components of the empowerment of the faculty members. The dimensions of the conceptual model of research were formed considering causal conditions, axial phenomena, contextual factors, intervening factors, strategies, and consequences. Conclusion: Considering the position of faculty members in the development and effectiveness of the universities, it seems that the results of the present study can be useful in promoting the capabilities and competencies of faculty members.