Designing a Work Discipline Model in the Road Maintenance and Transportation Organization

The aim of the present study is to design a work discipline model for the Road Maintenance and Transportation Organization. To achieve this objective, a qualitative methodology based on grounded theory was employed using Strauss and Corbin’s systematic approach. In this regard, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted through purposive theoretical sampling based on criterion-related selection with senior managers of the Road Maintenance and Transportation Organization, as well as with academic faculty and management experts. Sampling continued until theoretical saturation was achieved (21 interviews). The findings indicated that "challenges in the employee domain, challenges in the management domain, organizational procedures, and macro/external environment" were identified as causal conditions of work discipline. "Employees' cognitive and behavioral components, organizational goals and commitments, and organizational aspects of work discipline" were identified as contextual factors. Furthermore, "prevailing societal conditions and the status of competing organizations" were recognized as intervening factors from the participants' perspectives. Strategies were categorized into four general areas: preventive measures, disciplinary actions, motivational actions, and development-based actions. The outcomes of the model included organizational, individual, and inter-organizational consequences, all of which were explained within the framework of the paradigmatic model of grounded theory. Ultimately, this study proposed a model for work discipline in the Road Maintenance and Transportation Organization based on the research findings.