Management Studies in Development and Evolution

Critical Discourse Analysis of the Laws and Regulations Governing the Iranian Public Sector Recruitment System

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Somaye Lalegani 1
Habib Allah Ranaei Kordshouli 2
Moslem Alimohammadlou 3
Alireza Amini 2

1 PhD Candidate in Public Administration, Faculty of Economics, Management and Social Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Management Department, Faculty of Economics, Management and Social Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran

3 Professor, Management Department, Faculty of Economics, Management and Social Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22054/jmsd.2025.87849.4685
Abstract
The human staffing system, as one of the fundamental pillars of human resource management, plays a pivotal role in promoting social justice and enhancing the efficiency of the administrative system, particularly in the public sector. This study aims to critically examine the laws and regulations governing the human staffing system in the public sector, with the goal of identifying current challenges and exposing the ideologies and structures that reinforce inequality and injustice. Using Fairclough’s Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) method and a qualitative approach, the study critically analyzes the texts of the Constitution, the Civil Service Management Act, the Labor Law, and the National Selection Law. The findings reveal that existing laws are predominantly influenced by classical and new public management approaches, with a primary emphasis on control and hierarchy. Furthermore, principles such as justice and transparency—central to the new public service and Islamic governance—are only marginally reflected in these laws. The study underscores the need for legal reform and greater attention to unheard voices and marginalized groups in order to reduce discrimination and strengthen social justice within the administrative system.

Keywords

Recruitment system
Public sector laws
Fairclough critical discourse analysis
Critical Theory
Subjects
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Management Studies in Development and Evolution
Volume 34, Issue 118
Winter 2026
Pages 39-86

  • Receive Date 31 August 2025
  • Revise Date 02 October 2025
  • Accept Date 08 October 2025

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