Developing a Fuzzy Cognitive Map of the Factors Influencing Neurotic Personality and Its Outcomes in Public Organization Managers

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

AmirHoshang Nazarpouri ¹

Faezeh hasanvand ²

¹ Associate Professor, Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Management and Economics, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran.

² Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Management and Economics, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22067/tmj.2026.96659.1791

Abstract

The present study aimed to develop a fuzzy cognitive map (FCM) of the factors affecting neurotic personality and its outcomes among managers in public organizations. This applied, mixed-methods research employed a survey-based descriptive design. The population included human resource managers, university faculty members, and employees from public organizations in Lorestan Province, with 25 participants selected purposefully based on theoretical saturation. Semi-structured interviews were used for qualitative data collection, validated through content validity and Cohen’s Kappa, while a questionnaire was used in the quantitative phase, validated through content validity and test-retest reliability. Qualitative data were analyzed using MAXQDA and coding techniques to identify factors and outcomes of neurotic personality, and causal relationships were modeled using FCM. Results indicated that maladaptive coping styles are the most influential factor, and poor emotional regulation is the most significant outcome. Practically, these findings can inform human resource interventions, including early identification of managers with maladaptive patterns, emotional regulation training, and improved selection and performance evaluation processes in public organizations.

Keywords

Neurotic personality

neurotic personality of managers

fuzzy cognitive mapping

Factors affecting neurotic personality

consequences of neurotic personality

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