A Grounded Theory of Acceptance Nexus: The Story of the Private Sector

Abstract

Although the private sector is recognized as one principal component of the economic structure of nations, it is not in place in the economy of Iran. However, according to the resource curse theory, this so-called political and rich-resourced economy should move to a more diversified economy. This study aims to investigate the acceptance procedures through which the shift can be facilitated and accelerated. All in all, 19 interviews were conducted with the private sector practitioners and faculty members to collect data under the domination of the constructive grounded theory. The results of this study indicate that the tripolar of accountable government, observer civil society, and ethical private sector should be formed so that the effective application of strategies could benefit from “the acceptance nexus,” i.e., legitimacy, participation, support, and communication through consciousness, assuming responsibility, and communication management. Providing some must-do practices for the “agency” of government, civil society, and the private sector in the current institutional “structure,” this research contributes to the current understanding of acceptance. Conducting a middle-range theory, this study tries to shed more light on the behavioral contributions in the problem-solving processes by providing an emerging view of the acceptance in the terrain of the private sector.