The Role of Interest Groups’ Participation in Municipal Policy-Making

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to provide a model for the participation of interest groups in municipal policy-making. This research is developmental-applied in nature and uses a descriptive-survey method for data collection. In the qualitative phase, data were collected through fieldwork using interviews as the primary tool. The statistical population in this study consists of 10 experts, including professors, managers, and specialists from the municipalities of Tehran and Alborz provinces, selected through purposive sampling. Thematic analysis was employed for qualitative data analysis. In the quantitative phase, data were collected through a field method using a researcher-made questionnaire based on the model developed in the qualitative phase. The statistical sample in this phase included municipal managers from Tehran and Alborz provinces, and due to the limited size of the population, 29 managers were selected as the sample for the second stage of analysis. Factor analysis was used for data analysis. The findings of the study revealed that the environmental system governing interest groups encompasses cultural, social, political, legal, and administrative dimensions, along with contextual conditions and the role of citizenship. The leverage point of participation includes the roles of interest groups, competencies, capabilities, and skills, which constitute the core competencies of interest groups. The processes for realizing the participation of interest groups include organizational capacities for participation, media platforms, participation strategies of interest groups, and facilitating processes. The results and outcomes highlight the effective role of interest groups, while the barriers to participation include both internal and external obstacles.