A Comparative Model of External Strategic Intelligence in Public and Private Organizations in Kerman City

The objective of this study is to propose a comparative model of external strategic intelligence in public and private organizations located in Kerman City. This research adopted a mixed-methods approach with a sequential exploratory design. In the qualitative phase, using grounded theory and conducting 12 semi-structured interviews with experts, the initial components and indicators of the conceptual model were identified. In the quantitative phase, exploratory factor analysis was applied to data collected from 380 questionnaires, resulting in the identification of six key factors: external environmental scanning, external information gathering, data analysis and processing, strategic exploitation, external interactions and influence, and ethical and security frameworks. These six factors collectively explained 78.4% of the total variance and demonstrated acceptable reliability (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.8). The findings indicate that effective implementation of strategic intelligence in less-developed regions requires a context-sensitive, data-driven, and flexible model capable of adapting to structural differences between the public and private sectors. The proposed model can serve as a foundation for enhancing strategic decision-making and improving organizational readiness in response to environmental changes.