Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
PhD student in Public Administration with a specialization in Organizational Behavior, Aras International Campus, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2
Professor of the Department of Business and Business Management, Faculty of Management and Accounting, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
3
Associate Professor, Department of Management, Social Sciences, Research Institute of Hawzah & University, Qom, Iran
Abstract
Rural municipalities play a crucial role as local executive entities in managing and developing rural areas. However, in many regions, these institutions face challenges such as financial constraints, managerial inefficiencies, and a lack of coordination with higher authorities, which diminish their effectiveness and impact. Examining the structure of their duties and organizational framework can pave the way for improving their performance and proposing a suitable model for sustainable development. This study aims to diagnose the structural and functional challenges of rural municipalities and present an appropriate model to enhance their efficiency. The research follows a qualitative methodology, utilizing the Colaizzi analysis approach. To collect data, structured interviews were conducted in 2023 with 15 managers, staff members of rural municipalities, and residents of villages surrounding Rasht County. The interviews were transcribed, and relevant themes and concepts were extracted. The findings reveal that the challenges faced by rural municipalities can be categorized into several key areas:Human resources (recruitment and training strategies), Financial resources (budget limitations and funding challenges), Cultural and social issues (the role of social interactions in rural development), Infrastructure and urban planning (the need for improved public services and technical facilities), Environmental concerns (the impact of development projects on ecological sustainability), Public welfare (enhancing the quality of life for rural residents through municipal services), Based on the study’s findings, it is recommended that the functional structure of rural municipalities be revised in accordance with these key categories to improve management efficiency, optimize resource allocation, and strengthen their role in sustainable rural development. Greater coordination with higher authorities, the adoption of modern management approaches, and the expansion of inter-organizational communication are among the suggested strategies for improving the effectiveness of rural municipalities.
Keywords