Document Type : Original Article

Authors

• somayeh Malekian fard ¹
• Tayebe Amirkhani ²

¹ Graduated in Public Administration - Human Resources Development, Shahid beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

² Assistant Professor, Department of Public Administration, Shahid beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Objective: This mixed-methods (qualitative-quantitative) study investigated the phenomenon of occupational regret within Iran’s home appliance industry, identifying its triggers, consequences, and coping strategies.
Methods: The qualitative section employed a Grounded Theory (GT) approach with unstructured interviews conducted with 25 employees. In the quantitative phase, 302 questionnaires were distributed via simple random sampling, and variable relationships were assessed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM).
Findings: The qualitative analysis identified incongruence between expectations and organizational realities as the central category. Factors such as poor organization, a hierarchical culture, and inappropriate managerial behavior were highlighted as primary triggers for regret. The quantitative findings confirmed a direct and significant relationship between occupational regret and consequences like reduced motivation and job satisfaction.
Conclusion: The results provide an analytical tool for managers to prevent the negative outcomes of occupational regret and foster a better work environment by focusing on the reform of structural and organizational factors.