Dynamic Analysis of Organizational Cohesion in the Implementation of the Development and Advancement Rural Plan (Case Study: Gachsaran County)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD Graduated, Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Management, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

2 Professor, Department of Reclamation of Arid and Mountainous Regions, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Human Geography and Planning, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

4 PhD Candidate, Department of Reclamation of Arid and Mountainous Regions, Faculty of Natural Re-sources, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

A cohesive organizational structure is essential for coordinated efforts, effective resource planning, and enhanced governance outcomes. Additionally, dynamic power that enables efficient governance responses can enhance the resilience of socioal-ecological systems. This study aims to explore the organizational cohesion among stakeholders in the Development and Advancement Plan of Rural Constellations in Gachsaran County County, which serves as a pilot area for assessing effective local gov-ernance. The information exchange and cooperation among these stakeholders were analyzed using social network analysis methods, contrasting the results before and after the project's implementation. To achieve this, the betweenness centrality index at the micro level, along with the density, centralization, and average geodesic distance indices at the macro level of the network, were measured. The findings showed that before the implementation of the project, the Governorate, the Omid Entrepreneurship Fund, and Technical and Vocational Training had the highest betweenness centrality, playing significant roles in controlling the flow of information and resources. After the project's implementation, the Governorate, Cultural Heritage and Tourism, and the Omid Entrepreneurship Fund were identified as the key actors with the highest betweenness centrality. The average betweenness centrality index indicated improved information flow and a more balanced distribution of key roles within the network, leading to increased efficiency and coordination among organizations. The macro-level network indices showed increased cohesion, reduced centralization, and faster information circu-lation compared to before the project's implementation. This study's approach can be applied to other regions to enhance local governance.

Keywords

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References

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Journal of Rural Research
Volume 15, Issue 2
September 2024
Pages 382-397

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History

  • Receive Date: 27 May 2024
  • Revise Date: 08 July 2024
  • Accept Date: 09 July 2024

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