Presenting a Pathology Model of Human Resource Management System Processes in Science and Technology Parks Affiliated with Universities in Tehran

Human resource management (HRM) in academic science and technology parks (STPs) plays a vital role in fostering the growth and advancement of these institutions. This study aimed to develop and validate a pathology model of the HRM system processes in STPs affiliated with universities in Tehran.
The present research is applied-developmental in purpose and descriptive-survey in data collection methodology. A mixed-methods exploratory research design was employed to achieve the objectives. The participants of the qualitative part comprised HRM experts, managers, and specialists from Tehran's academic STPs, with 12 individuals selected via purposive sampling. The population of quantitative part included managers, deputy managers, and HRM specialists from these STPs, with 96 participants chosen through convenience sampling. Data collection instruments consisted of semi-structured interviews and a researcher-developed questionnaire. Thematic analysis using MAXQDA software was applied for qualitative interview analysis, while partial least squares (PLS) regression via Smart PLS was utilized for quantitative analysis. Findings revealed that the pathology model comprises one primary level: process-related challenges. These include HRM pathologies in: Recruitment and selection, Training, Development, Performance management, Job analysis, Awareness-building and promotion, HR planning. The study concludes that STPs in Tehran universities face systemic HRM challenges, necessitating organizational transformation in this domain.