Proposing a Social Entrepreneurship Model for Formulating Livelihood and Employment Policies for the Spouses of Law Enforcement Personnel: A Thematic Analysis Approach

The aim of this study is to propose a social entrepreneurship model for formulating livelihood and employment policies targeting the spouses of law enforcement personnel. Based on the method of data collection, this research is descriptive-analytical, and from a research approach standpoint, it follows an inductive-deductive methodology. Participants in the qualitative phase, utilizing Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis method, were selected through purposeful sampling. Eighteen experts, including academic scholars, senior managers of the Law Enforcement Command organization, and authorities in charge of employment initiatives, were interviewed until theoretical saturation was achieved at 16 participants. Preliminary interview questions were developed through document analysis (books, articles, and relevant studies). Prior to each interview, the researcher explained the study’s topic and objectives to the participants and then asked them to respond to the interview questions. It is noteworthy that the researcher respectfully asked participants to set their preferred time for the interview to ensure they could respond comfortably and without constraints. All interviews were recorded using audio devices and written notes. After preparing the textual transcripts of the participants’ responses, the process of analyzing both the explicit and latent content of the collected data from their statements and writings commenced. The objective of this process was to extract the components of the social entrepreneurship model for formulating livelihood and employment policies for the spouses of law enforcement personnel using a qualitative thematic analysis approach. The MAXQDA software was used to analyze the interview texts. Through this analysis, a total of 170 initial codes were extracted. Subsequently, 51 basic themes and 10 organizing themes were identified. In the final stage, through the examination of organizing themes, five overarching themes emerged: psychological and social roles, attention to individual skills and capabilities, supportive and governmental policies, creation of social and support networks, and the use of technology and online employment.