Designing a Grounded-Theory Model for the Transformation of Social Capital in Public Organizations under the Influence of Artificial Intelligence

Aref Nezhad, Mohsen; Hasanvand, Faezeh

doi:10.22059/jscm.2026.411058.2655

Designing a Grounded-Theory Model for the Transformation of Social Capital in Public Organizations under the Influence of Artificial Intelligence

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research/Original/Regular

Authors

mohsen aref nezhad

Faezeh Hasanvand

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

10.22059/jscm.2026.411058.2655

Abstract

This study aimed to design a model for the transformation of social capital in public organizations under the influence of artificial intelligence using a grounded theory approach. The research is applied in nature, descriptive in data collection, and qualitative based on the grounded theory methodology. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 14 experts in management and information technology within public organizations. Participants were purposively and theoretically sampled based on their professional experience and domain knowledge, continuing until theoretical saturation was reached. The findings indicate that, when properly implemented and aligned with organizational strategies, artificial intelligence can serve as a sustainable organizational capability, strengthening, reorganizing, and enhancing the techno-social convergence of social capital in public organizations. This transformation improves data-driven decision-making, organizational efficiency, resilience, and public trust, highlighting that the intelligent integration of technology and social capital is a prerequisite for the success of public organizations in the digital era.

Keywords

Social capital

Artificial intelligence

Grounded theory

Public organizations

Subjects