Safe City

Safe City

Measuring the dimensions of good urban governance and key factors influencing its situation in ethnic cities (case study: Yasouj city)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Sayeda Samirah Sayadat Hasan Noran 1
Shaghayegh Shirazi Irani 2
ali saberi 3
1 Master's Degree in Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Literature and Human Sciences, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
2 Master's degree, Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Mazandaran University, Babolsar, Iran
3 Ph.D Candidate, Department of Human Geography, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/ispdrc.2024.2031182.1111
Abstract
Introduction
Urban governance is a modern model of urban management that emphasizes the dynamic interaction between government organizations, market forces, and social institutions. In this model, citizens are not merely individual participants but play organized roles. The primary goal is to achieve sustainable human development and create sustainable cities. This involves focusing on poverty reduction, job creation, sustainable well-being, environmental protection and regeneration, and the advancement of women. Creating a suitable platform for participatory planning and emphasizing citizen involvement and transparency in programs are crucial aspects of this approach. This research aims to comprehensively examine the dimensions and indicators of urban governance in Yasuj city and identify the influential factors affecting the current state of governance in this ethnically diverse city.

Research Methodology
The objective is to investigate the state of good governance and its various dimensions in Yasuj city, analyzing the key factors influencing it from a futurological perspective and the viewpoint of local experts. The research methodology is descriptive-analytical and classified as applied research. A literature review, exploration of expert opinions, and gathering of initial variables and drivers were conducted to gain theoretical insights. Quantitative methods, aligned with the research goals, as well as SPSS and MICMAC software, were used for data analysis. An initial exploration of each dimension of good governance and its variables was performed using a one-sample t-test in SPSS. Subsequently, MICMAC software was utilized to investigate the key factors influencing the current state of governance in Yasuj city.

Results and discussion
The research findings indicate significant disparities in the various dimensions of good governance in Yasuj. The dimension of consensus direction (2.27) was perceived as having the best condition, whereas participation (1.96) was deemed the worst from the citizens' perspective. Overall, citizens expressed considerable dissatisfaction with several dimensions, particularly participation (1.96), legality (2.02), security (2.04), accountability (2.10), and justice (2.14). A detailed examination of specific research items revealed that citizens felt a strong attachment to the city and their living area (3.50). Additionally, high levels of satisfaction were noted in areas of cooperation, interaction, and harmony among individuals and managers (2.63), as well as inter-organizational interaction (2.58). However, significant dissatisfaction was reported concerning citizen participation in urban decision-making, the effectiveness of various services in enhancing spatial security, gender justice within the city, municipal efforts in city beautification, and the level of collaboration between the public and the municipality.
The research findings indicate significant disparities in the various dimensions of good governance in Yasuj. The dimension of consensus direction (2.27) was perceived as having the best condition, whereas participation (1.96) was deemed the worst from the citizens' perspective. Overall, citizens expressed considerable dissatisfaction with several dimensions, particularly participation (1.96), legality (2.02), security (2.04), accountability (2.10), and justice (2.14). A detailed examination of specific research items revealed that citizens felt a strong attachment to the city and their living area (3.50). Additionally, high levels of satisfaction were noted in areas of cooperation, interaction, and harmony among individuals and managers (2.63), as well as inter-organizational interaction (2.58). However, significant dissatisfaction was reported concerning citizen participation in urban decision-making, the effectiveness of various services in enhancing spatial security, gender justice within the city, municipal efforts in city beautification, and the level of collaboration between the public and the municipality.
Conclusion
In recent decades, urbanization and evolving social structures have made good governance in ethnic cities an inevitable necessity. Ethnic cities, characterized by their cultural, linguistic, and demographic diversity, face unique governance challenges that require tailored approaches. Improving governance in these contexts not only contributes to sustainable development but also helps preserve cultural and social diversity. The analysis of Yasuj's governance highlights the importance of dimensions such as sustainable development, transparency, and citizen participation. Positive correlations between these dimensions and citizens' well-being were observed, underscoring the need for effective governance practices that promote inclusivity and equity.
In recent decades, urbanization and evolving social structures have made good governance in ethnic cities an inevitable necessity. Ethnic cities, characterized by their cultural, linguistic, and demographic diversity, face unique governance challenges that require tailored approaches. Improving governance in these contexts not only contributes to sustainable development but also helps preserve cultural and social diversity. The analysis of Yasuj's governance highlights the importance of dimensions such as sustainable development, transparency, and citizen participation. Positive correlations between these dimensions and citizens' well-being were observed, underscoring the need for effective governance practices that promote inclusivity and equity.
Keywords
good urban governance
sustainable development
ethnic cities
futures studies
Yasuj
Subjects
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