Drivers and key factors for the development of critical thinking of administrators (Case: Command and Staff University of the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran)

Objective: This study aims to identify and analyze key drivers influencing the development of critical thinking among administrators at the University of Command and Staff of the Islamic Republic of Iran.Methodology: This descriptive-analytical research used a mixed-method approach with a sequential exploratory design. Initially, a systematic literature review was conducted to identify key factors. Subsequently, semi-structured interviews were carried out with 19 senior administrators at DAFOOS. Qualitative data were analyzed using MaxQDA, and the study's validity was ensured through, peer reviews, and a Kappa test, yielding a score of 0.79. In the quantitative phase, the same 19 administrators completed a paired comparison questionnaire, and data were analyzed using MICMAC software.Findings: In the qualitative phase, drivers for developing critical thinking were categorized into four main groups: individual and cognitive factors, organizational factors, environmental factors, and strategic factors. In the quantitative phase, the driver "intelligence and critical insight" ranked first with a direct influence weight of 33.3 and a potential impact score of 42,621. In contrast, the "academic culture" driver ranked second with the same direct influence weight of 33.3 and a potential impact score of 42,576.Conclusion: The results indicate that developing critical thinking among administrators is a complex, multifaceted process requiring attention to the dynamic interactions between drivers. This research presents a comprehensive model for analyzing and identifying key drivers, which can enhance decision-making quality and administrative performance