Governance for Sustainability: Identifying and Ranking Critical Dimensions of Government Decentralization

Abstract

IntroductionResearch on government decentralization is well established both globally and domestically. However, a notable gap persists in the literature: few studies have systematically examined the relationship between decentralization and sustainable development. This gap is especially pronounced in the Iranian context, where—despite some early efforts (e.g., Obedeh & Mousavi, 2009)—empirical investigations linking decentralization to sustainability remain scarce. Moreover, much of the existing sustainability discourse has narrowly focused on environmental, economic, and social pillars, often overlooking the critical role of governance structures, particularly decentralization, in enabling sustainable outcomes. Addressing this lacuna, the present study aims to identify and prioritize key dimensions of government decentralization that contribute to sustainable development. MethodologyThis study adopts an applied, non-experimental descriptive design. The research population comprises 25 experts in public administration, including 16 university faculty members and 9 senior officials from government organizations. Participants were selected through purposive sampling using the snowball technique. Data were collected via a structured expert questionnaire grounded in a nine-dimensional conceptual framework. Reliability was assessed using the inconsistency index, while validity was evaluated through the Lausche coefficient. Factor prioritization was conducted using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a multi-criteria decision-making method widely employed in policy and governance research. FindingsBased on the results, it is clear that the index of monitoring local conditions with a weight of 0.192 is the first priority. The index of attracting local funds with a weight of 0.084 is in the second priority. The index of financing by the government with a weight of 0.075 is in the third priority. The index of determining goals based on the principles of sustainability with a weight of 0.075 is in the fourth priority. The index of alignment of sustainability goals with the needs of the local community with a weight of 0.073 is in the fifth priority. The index of trust in local managers with a weight of 0.065 is in the sixth priority. The budgeting index based on sustainability goals with a weight of 0.063 is ranked seventh. The index of commitment to accountability with a weight of 0.054 is in the eighth priority. The index of increasing the authority of local institutions with a weight of 0.049 is in the ninth priority. The education index of local managers with a weight of 0.049 is in the tenth priority. Discussion and ConclusionThe criterion of contextual targeting—defined as aligning policies and governance decisions with local conditions—emerged as the highest priority, with a normalized weight of 0.339. This underscores a fundamental principle of effective decentralization: one-size-fits-all mandates are ill-suited to diverse regional contexts. Leading decentralized systems worldwide calibrate the scope of authority and resource allocation to subnational governments (e.g., provinces, municipalities) based on continuous monitoring of local socioeconomic, environmental, and institutional conditions. This finding resonates with Ishrodoost (2021), who identifies the absence of region-specific targeting as a key barrier to decentralization in Iran, and with Fua’s (2022) analysis of Russia’s decentralization reforms, which emphasizes the necessity of tailoring governance structures to regional realities.The second-highest priority was financial considerations (weight: 0.222). Globally, the fiscal relationship between central and local governments constitutes a critical determinant of local autonomy and service delivery capacity. In Iran, where local authorities suffer from chronic revenue shortages and limited fiscal autonomy, strengthening intergovernmental financial mechanisms is essential. Embedding decentralization within a good governance framework—characterized by fiscal transparency, equitable resource distribution, and performance-based budgeting—can help address systemic challenges such as bureaucratic inefficiency, rising administrative costs, and the central government’s limited responsiveness to local needs. Only through such reforms can municipalities establish sustainable economic foundations and stable revenue streams. These insights align with prior studies by Zarkhani et al. (2018) and Mohammadi (2008).Third in priority is local sustainability capacity building (weight: 0.207). This entails a systematic, multi-level approach to strengthening the capabilities of local institutions, communities, and leaders to plan, implement, and sustain development initiatives. Effective capacity building integrates leadership development, community engagement, organizational learning, and institutional adaptation to foster resilience and well-being at the local level. As DeCorby et al. (2018) argue, local capacity is a prerequisite for meaningful devolution of power; without it, decentralization risks becoming symbolic rather than substantive. Similarly, Choi et al. (2019) highlight the centrality of local capacity in UN-supported decentralization efforts in developing countries.Transparency and reporting ranked fourth (weight: 0.134). Robust accountability mechanisms—including systematic data collection, performance monitoring, and public reporting—are vital for ensuring that decentralized authorities remain aligned with policy objectives, learn from implementation outcomes, and adapt decision-making accordingly. This finding is consistent with Zuidervik et al. (2021) and Lin et al. (2018), who emphasize transparency as a cornerstone of effective local governance.Finally, human resource performance received the lowest weight (0.097), though it remains strategically significant. Skilled, motivated, and ethically grounded personnel are essential for translating decentralization policies into practice. Human capital constitutes a core organizational asset, particularly in public institutions, where competent staff can drive innovation and sustainable performance. Chigbo (2021) identifies human resource competencies as a key enabler of decentralization, a view echoed by Rashidi et al. (2021) in their analysis of administrative decentralization in Iran.