Background & Purpose: The purpose of this study is to design a model for developing the competence and capabilities of middle managers in the era of digital transformation.
Methodology: The research method is applied-developmental in terms of its purpose, qualitative in terms of its implementation method, and exploratory in terms of its nature. The statistical population included organizational experts and middle managers at the level of the organization's top headquarters. Sampling was carried out in two parts. One was selected based on the criterion-based purposive method to saturate the data obtained from the interview (7 people) and the second was selected using the available purposive sampling method (30 people) to form the Delphi panel of experts. Three methods were used to collect data: documentary study, semi-structured interview, and Delphi panel of experts. With the help of expert member verification and interview harmonization, data validity was achieved, and to examine data reliability, the test-retest interview method was used, which showed an average of 85.33. Inductive content analysis approach and Kendall's consistency coefficient were used to analyze the data.
Findings: Based on the analysis of research data, the paradigmatic pattern in 5 selected codes, 19 core codes, and 91 open codes were identified, categorized, and compiled.
Conclusion: The results of the study showed that digital transformation has called upon managers to recreate new skills and competencies so that they can play an effective role in this era. Therefore, it is suggested that relevant managers in the organization, while paying attention to other factors in the model, put the implementation of the research model strategies on the agenda.