Design and Validation of Social Responsibility Performance at Mellat Bank with ISO 26000 Standard
Keywords:
Social responsibility , Mellat Bank, ISO 26000 standardAbstract
The aim of this study was to design and validate a model for implementing social responsibility at Mellat Bank based on the ISO 26000 international standard. This qualitative study employed a systematic grounded theory approach. The statistical population included academic experts, senior banking managers, and experienced Mellat Bank employees. Purposive sampling was used, and semi-structured interviews continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Thirty participants with at least 15 years of experience and postgraduate education in management were selected. Data were analyzed using MAXQDA software through open, axial, and selective coding. Reliability was ensured via participant validation, researcher triangulation, and peer review sessions. The resulting model consisted of six main components: (1) Causal conditions—God-consciousness, religiosity, and professional competence; (2) Contextual conditions—cultural infrastructure, organizational efficiency, and educational investment; (3) Intervening conditions—cognitive managerial skills and tolerance; (4) Core category—rule of law, explicit accountability, and managerial trustworthiness; (5) Strategies—participatory management, justice orientation, and effective regulation; and (6) Consequences—reduced administrative corruption, enhanced public satisfaction, meritocracy, administrative transformation, and human resource satisfaction. The model’s goodness-of-fit index (GOF=0.48) indicated a strong fit. The developed model aligns with ISO 26000 principles and can enhance Mellat Bank’s social and economic performance while strengthening accountability, justice, and public trust. It provides a localized, ethical framework for promoting sustainable development and responsible banking practices.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Sadra Karami, Babak Haji Karimi, Farid Asgari (Author)
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