Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Ph.D. in Higher Education Management, Department of Management and Educational Planning, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Allameh Tabatabaei University, Tehran, Iran
2
Postdoctoral Position in Entrepreneurship, Department of Management and Entrepreneurship, Faculty of Economics and Accounting, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
10.22034/jam.2025.143769.1109
Abstract
This study aimed to identify and analyze the factors inhibiting the academic freedom of faculty members at Allameh Tabataba'i University using an applied research approach. Data were gathered both from archival documents and from in-depth interviews with 17 faculty members, employing purposive sampling alongside a snowball technique. Thematic analysis revealed six primary dimensions: political factors, bureaucratic obstacles, security limitations, economic pressures, professional challenges, and a lack of institutional accountability. The findings indicate that governmental interventions, religious policies, and militaristic influences in the political arena foster self-censorship and reduce research innovation. Moreover, ambiguous regulations and prolonged administrative procedures undermine the efficiency of research support systems while increasing time-related costs. The absence of adequate research immunity and fears regarding the repercussions of publishing findings further weaken the research environment. Additionally, professional challenges resulting from ineffective representation structures and insufficient participation in university decision-making restrict the engagement of researchers. The application of the Dimatel method to examine causal relationships among these themes underscored the dominant role of bureaucratic obstacles and the strong influence of political factors. Overall, the study clearly emphasizes the necessity of reforming administrative policies, strengthening support frameworks, and establishing ethical charters to enhance the climate of academic freedom.
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