ارزیابی اثر تاب‌آوری اقتصادی بر تاب‌آوری اجتماعی : یک مطالعه تجربی در سیستان و بلوچستان

Extended Abstract

Introduction

Economic and social resilience are fundamental to understanding how communities operate and respond to various shocks and stressors. Social resilience refers to the capacity of communities to absorb disturbances, adapt to evolving conditions, and sustain social stability and collective well-being. Economic resilience, meanwhile, acts as a critical driver of societal welfare and quality of life, shaping social structures and contributing to long-term sustainability. The interplay between these two dimensions underscores the importance of comprehending their reciprocal effects on community resilience. Social interactions and Human dynamics are pivotal in shaping the resilience capacity of communities. Factors such as economic volatility, employment stability, and financial security directly influence a society’s adaptive responses to crises. Within this framework, stakeholder engagement emerges as a central mechanism for resilience-building, involving actors such as public institutions, private sector entities, and local communities in formulating policies that foster socio-economic stability. Effective stakeholder collaboration necessitates transparent communication, cooperative action, and shared accountability to reinforce resilience frameworks.. This study seeks to examine how economic resilience contributes to strengthening social resilience, with particular emphasis on stakeholder interactions. The empirical focus is on Sistan and Baluchestan Province, a region facing acute economic and environmental challenges, including water scarcity, infrastructure deficits, and socio-economic fragility. The research addresses two core questions: (1) To what extent does economic resilience foster social resilience in the study region? (2) Does economic resilience mediate the relationship between stakeholder engagement and social resilience?

Methodology

Sistan and Baluchestan, the second-largest province in Iran, spans approximately 180,726 square kilometers in the southeastern region of the country. Bordering Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the Oman Sea, the province holds a strategic position as a hub for trade and transit. Despite its abundance of natural resources - including gold, copper, and chromite - the province faces severe environmental challenges such as water scarcity, climate change, and recurrent drought. Although endowed with economic potential, Sistan and Baluchestan remain Iran’s underdeveloped provinces, grappling with inadequate infrastructure, migration challenges, and socio-economic instability. However, with targeted investments, the province's substantial resources and strategic location could transform it into a regional hub for economic activity and tourism. This study investigates the dynamics of stakeholder interactions and social resilience, with particular emphasis on the role of economic resilience in the province. The research first conducted a socio-ecological boundary analysis, followed by a comparative assessment to identify key variables and regional characteristics. Stakeholder interactions were subsequently examined through systematic data collection. The study sample comprised 315 participants, including government officials, technical experts, and private-sector stakeholders, selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire designed around a five-point Likert scale. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to examine relationships among variables, with data analysis conducted using SmartPLS software. Both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed using SPSS and SmartPLS. The reliability and validity of the questionnaire were confirmed through expert judgment and calculation of Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The study conceptualizes stakeholder interactions as the independent variable, economic resilience as the mediating variable, and social resilience as the dependent variable.

Results and discussion

This study employed factor analysis to assess the influence of stakeholder interactions on both social and economic resilience. Initially, the adequacy of the data for factor analysis was evaluated using the KMO measure and Bartlett’s test of sphericity, both of which confirmed the suitability of the dataset. Subsequently, the model’s validity and reliability were assessed through factor loading, Cronbach's alpha, composite reliability, and both convergent and discriminant validity indices, all of which fell within acceptable thresholds. The Structural equation model was further validated using the GOF index, with a value of 0.187 indicating an acceptable model fit. Moreover, analysis of the mediating role of economic resilience using the VAF index revealed a moderate mediating effect between stakeholder interactions and social resilience. The findings suggest that stakeholder interactions - encompassing governmental bodies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), local communities, and the private sector - play a pivotal role in enhancing both social and economic resilience. Such interactions contribute to social resilience by reinforcing social networks, enhancing public awareness, and fostering collective solidarity. Furthermore, the expansion of economic opportunities and enhancement of livelihood security bolster, foster intergroup trust and mitigate the risk of internal tensions. Formulating multi-level strategies grounded in institutional collaboration and efficient resource utilization can significantly enhance resilience to future crises. This research offers a strategic framework for policymaking in less-developed regions and underscores the critical importance of stakeholder engagement in strengthening socio-economic resilience.

Conclusion

The findings of this study highlights the vital role of stakeholder interactions—among government, NGOs, local communities, and the private sector—in enhancing social and economic resilience. These interactions promote knowledge exchange, communication, and public awareness, strengthening cohesion and solidarity. Economic resilience acts both independently and as a mediator, boosting the effects of stakeholder engagement on social resilience. Strategies like expanding economic opportunities, improving livelihood security, and fostering local capacity are key to crisis preparedness and response. The research emphasizes multi-level, collaborative approaches as essential for building resilience, especially in underdeveloped contexts.

Keywords

Economic resilience, social resilience, stakeholder interactions, social cohesion, livelihood security, multi-level governance, structural equation modeling (SEM), social capital, economic solidarity, intergroup trust, development of economic opportunities, social networks, socio-economic sustainability, public and private sector institutions, performance.

Funding

This article is derived from a master’s research project conducted at Tarbiat Modares University. The authors gratefully acknowledge provided by the university and its Office of the Vice-Chancellor for Research. We also extend our sincere appreciation to all the participants who generously contributed their time, patience, and insights during the interviews and group discussions.

Authors’ Contribution

The authors approved the content of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the declaration of non-competence.

Conflict of Interest

There are no conflicts of interest among the author(s).