Representation of Collaborative Governance in Non-Western Contexts: Case Study of Iran

This study examines the emergence and conceptualization of collaborative governance in Iran, a non-Western context. Using document analysis, it explores how Iran's unique political, cultural, and social landscape shapes the development and implementation of collaborative governance practices. The research reveals a significant shift towards "people-based governance" in Iran's political discourse, primarily driven by top-down initiatives from conservative factions in response to multiple crises. This approach represents a hybrid model, blending Western collaborative governance concepts with Islamic principles and Iran's distinctive political structure. The study challenges several Western-centric assumptions in collaborative governance theory, highlighting the need for more context-sensitive approaches. It also uncovers a disconnect between adopted governance models and Iran's contextual realities, both in political rhetoric and academic literature. The findings contribute to a more...Show moreThis study examines the emergence and conceptualization of collaborative governance in Iran, a non-Western context. Using document analysis, it explores how Iran's unique political, cultural, and social landscape shapes the development and implementation of collaborative governance practices. The research reveals a significant shift towards "people-based governance" in Iran's political discourse, primarily driven by top-down initiatives from conservative factions in response to multiple crises. This approach represents a hybrid model, blending Western collaborative governance concepts with Islamic principles and Iran's distinctive political structure. The study challenges several Western-centric assumptions in collaborative governance theory, highlighting the need for more context-sensitive approaches. It also uncovers a disconnect between adopted governance models and Iran's contextual realities, both in political rhetoric and academic literature. The findings contribute to a more nuanced understanding of governance transitions in non-Western, non-democratic settings and provide insights for policymakers and practitioners working in diverse political and cultural contexts.Show less

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Representation of Collaborative Governance in Non-Western Contexts: Case Study of Iran