مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رسانی علوم و فناوری فصلنامه آموزش و توسعه منابع انسانی 2423-3277 13 48 2026 7 28 Designing and Validating an Effective Training Model for Prison Wardens in Iran: A Mixed-Methods Study طراحی و اعتبارسنجی الگوی آموزش اثربخش رؤسای زندان‌های کشور: پژوهشی آمیخته fa محسن شمس دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی واحد ارومیه جواد کیهان علوم تحقیقات تهران ابراهیم صالحی عمران دانشگاه مازندران 2025 7 12 <p>This study is developmental-applied in terms of purpose and qualitative in terms of method with a grounded theory strategy in the systematic method of Strauss and Corbin (2015 edition). The participants included 21 experts in the fields of prison management, penal policymaking, human resource training, and experienced managers of prison organizations who were selected using purposive sampling and snowball technique. The data collection tool was a semi-structured interview, and data analysis was conducted in three stages of open, axial, and selective coding. The participant matching method, conceptual convergence analysis, and feedback review were used to validate the findings. In order to enhance the structural robustness of the model and analyze the relationship between components, interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and impact-dependency analysis (MICMAC) were used.&nbsp;The findings led to the identification of 628 open codes, 108 central codes, and 29 selected codes. Based on the paradigmatic model, the weakness of the existing education system, the knowledge and skills gap, and the absence of effective evaluation were identified as the main challenges. The final model presented, from a multi-level perspective, organizes causal, contextual, interventionist, strategic, and outcome elements in an integrated and native model. In the ISM analysis, variables such as the ability of instructors, the use of educational technology, and the motivation of managers were included among the variables with high influence that play a key role in activating and guiding the education system.&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: left;">This study aimed to develop a context-sensitive and locally grounded model for the effective training of prison wardens in the Islamic Republic of Iran. In terms of purpose, the study was applied-developmental, and methodologically, it employed an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design. In the qualitative phase, systematic grounded theory, following the Corbin and Strauss approach, was used. The participants comprised 21 experts, including nine university academics and 12 senior prison administrators or experienced prison wardens, who were selected through purposive and theoretical sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding. The trustworthiness of the findings was established through member checking and an assessment of coding stability. In the second phase, the same 21 experts evaluated the pairwise relationships among the components identified in the qualitative phase. Interpretive Structural Modeling was subsequently employed to determine the interrelationships and hierarchical levels of the components, while MICMAC analysis was used to examine their driving power and dependence. The qualitative analysis yielded 628 initial codes, 108 concepts, and 29 main and subcategories. Based on the paradigmatic model, deficiencies in the existing training system, the gap between professional knowledge and practical skills, and the absence of an effective evaluation system emerged as major factors influencing the training of prison wardens. The final model organized the identified categories into causal conditions, the central phenomenon, contextual and intervening conditions, strategies, and consequences. The results of the structural analysis further indicated that trainer competence, the use of educational technologies, and managerial motivation possessed strong driving power and played a foundational role in shaping and enhancing the effectiveness of the training system. The findings suggest that effective training for prison wardens requires an integrated, competency-based system aligned with the professional and organizational realities of prison administration. The proposed model may provide a practical framework for redesigning training policies, programmers, and processes, improving managerial decision-making and performance, and advancing the correctional and rehabilitative objectives of the prison system.</p> http://istd.saminatech.ir/fa/Article/Download/50808