Iranian Journal of Ergonomics

Background and Objective: This research was conducted to design and validate an integrated model for soft skills development, which combines technology-based empowerment with the principles of cognitive ergonomics.
 

Methods: This study utilized a mixed-methods approach with a sequential exploratory design. In the qualitative phase, in-depth interviews were conducted with 18 academic experts and senior bank managers selected through purposive sampling, and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis. In the quantitative phase, which employed a descriptive-survey design, the conceptual model derived from the qualitative phase was tested using a researcher-developed questionnaire on a sample of 395 employees from the headquarters and branches of Bank Refah Kargaran. Data analysis and model evaluation were performed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in AMOS 26 software.
 

Results: The qualitative analysis led to the identification of 4 main themes and 28 sub-themes that formed the model’s dimensions: technology-based empowerment, cognitive ergonomic considerations, contextual and organizational factors, and integrated soft skills development (as the outcome). The quantitative model test results showed that the model had a good fit, and all three predictive dimensions had a positive and significant effect on soft skills development. Among them, “contextual and organizational factors” had the greatest impact with a standardized path coefficient of 0.45, identified as the strongest predictor.
 

Conclusion: This finding emphasizes the necessity of a systemic perspective that recognizes the interaction among humans, technology, and organizational structure. It demonstrates that successful employee empowerment requires simultaneous attention to both technological tools and the principles of cognitive ergonomics.