Developing and Validating a Model for Evaluating Policies on Attracting and Utilizing Public Capacity in the Iranian Administrative System
Keywords:
Policy Evaluation, People's Capacity, Administrative SystemAbstract
This study aimed to develop and validate a model for evaluating policies related to the attraction and utilization of public capacity in the Iranian administrative system. This applied research used a sequential exploratory mixed-methods approach. The qualitative phase included a systematic literature review and thematic content analysis, while the quantitative phase employed a descriptive-correlational design. Participants in the qualitative phase included policy-making experts, NGO managers, and senior administrators from southern provinces. The quantitative sample included 277 public sector managers selected through multi-stage cluster sampling. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and a 79-item researcher-made questionnaire. Validity was assessed through expert review and content and construct validity indices, while reliability was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability. Data analysis was conducted using MAXQDA and SmartPLS software. Findings revealed a comprehensive model comprising eight main dimensions: transparency and information, justice and equality, skills identification and selection, research and development, participation and partnership, economic justification assessment, legal compliance assessment, and innovation culture. Each dimension was supported by relevant components and validated indicators. Confirmatory factor analysis and one-sample t-tests confirmed the model’s internal and external validity. The goodness-of-fit index (GOF = 0.652) confirmed strong model fit. The R² values exceeded 0.67 and Q² values were in the acceptable predictive range, indicating high explanatory and predictive power. The proposed model provides a validated and context-specific framework for evaluating policy mechanisms to harness public capacity in the Iranian administrative system. It offers practical guidance for improving governance quality through inclusive participation and can serve as a strategic tool for public policy makers and administrators.
Downloads
References
Alice, M. e. T., Boswell, C., Campos, P. A., Reich, M. R., Capano, G., Criado, J. I., Ruvalcaba-Gómez, E. A., Valenzuela-Mendoza, R., Kataria, I., Fagan, L., Lehmbruch, G., Menezes, V. G. d., Glauco, V. P., Marcos, P. P. d. S., & Rejane, M. d. C. F. (2021). A behavioural model of heuristics and biases in frontline policy implementation. Policy & Politics, 49(1), 49-67. https://doi.org/10.1332/030557320X15967973532891
Arezou Gholipour, N., Keyhan, B., & Behzad, S. (2021). Challenges and opportunities of economic diplomacy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the new geopolitical conditions. Quarterly of Geography (Regional Planing), 11(2), 383-405. https://www.magiran.com/paper/2310171
Askari Bagherabadi, M., Khanmohammadi, H., & Hosseinpour, D. (2024). Identifying and Prioritizing Wicked Problems in Iran's Administrative System. Public Service Management Studies, 2(3), 1-44. https://spsa.atu.ac.ir/article_17131.html?lang=en
Baskoy, T., Evans, B., & Shields, J. (2011). Assessing Policy Capacity in Canada's Public Services: Perspectives of Deputy and Assistant Deputy Ministers. Canadian Public Administration, 54. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1754-7121.2011.00171.x
Bigdeli, M., Vaddadi, A., & Ghorbanizadeh, V. (2024). Conceptual Analysis of Human Resource Retention Policy Evaluation Using Rogers' Evolutionary Approach. Defense Human Capital Management, 4(1), 23-70. https://jdhcm.iamu.ac.ir/article_715274.html?lang=en
Eftekhār Afzali, S. H., & Kalantari, E. (2024). Analyzing Social Capital from a Religious Perspective: A Thematic Analysis of Social Participation in the Ideological Framework of the Supreme Leader (May His Shadow Endure). Interdisciplinary Studies of Islamic Revolution and Civilization, 2(7), 11-37. https://cir.ihu.ac.ir/article_209282.html?lang=en
Ezzati, R., Keshishian Siraki, G., & Abtahi, M. (2024). The Relationship Between Cyberspace and Good Governance in Global Politics (Case Study: The Islamic Republic of Iran and the People's Republic of China). Global Politics. https://stb.iau.ir/faculty/g-keshishyan/fa/articlesInPublications/5135
Ganjipour, S. R., Hadi Peykani, M., Etebarian, A., & Gholizadeh, A. (2021). Proposing a Model for Evaluating Educational Policies with a Network Governance Approach in Iran. A New Approach in Educational Management, 12(5), 17-29. https://jedu.marvdasht.iau.ir/article_5024.html?lang=en
Ghorbanali, H., Mousakhani, M., & Daneshfard, K. (2023). Presenting an Evidence-Based Policy Model for Attracting and Retaining Knowledge Workers in Iran's Aviation Industry. Geography Quarterly (Regional Planning), 13(51), 97-111. https://www.jgeoqeshm.ir/article_184724.html
Heidari, R. (2023). Designing a Model for Enhancing the Capacity of Implementing Policies in the Road Maintenance and Transportation Organization. Journal of Public Administration, 31(116), 200-179.
Howlett, M. (2009). Policy Analytical Capacity and Evidence-based Policy-making: Lessons from Canada. Canadian Public Administration, 52(2), 153-175. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1754-7121.2009.00070_1.x
Palmi, P., Corallo, A., Prete, M. I., & Harris, P. (2021). Balancing exploration and exploitation in public management: Proposal for an organizational model. Journal of Public Affairs, 21(3), e2245. https://doi.org/10.1002/pa.2245
Rezayati Ajpish, M., Salajegheh, S., & Jalali Kamali, M. (2021). Investigating Factors Related to the Implementation of Economic Policies in the National Bank of Iran for Production Boom and Financial System Performance Improvement. Investment Knowledge, 10(39), 395-418. http://www.jik-ifea.ir/article_17941.html?lang=en
Testi, N., Marconi, R., & Pasher, E. (2025). Exploring the Potential of Blockchain Technology for Citizen Engagement in Smart Governance. Open Research Europe, 3(183), 183. https://doi.org/10.12688/openreseurope.16153.4
Downloads
Published
Submitted
Revised
Accepted
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Abdolreza Bashiri, Mohsen Mohammadian Saravi, Meysam Chegin (Author)

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.