The Role of Urban Management in Promoting Social Engagement with an Emphasis on the Neighborhood Approach: A Case Study of District Eight of Tehran

Subject Areas : Journal of Iranian Social Development Studies

Benyamin Naeimaei ¹ , Reza ali Mohseni ²

1 - university of tehran
2 - azad university

Received: 2017-12-13 Accepted : 2017-12-16 Published : 2007-12-22

Keywords: Urban Management, participation, citizenship, Tendency to Participation, Local Management,

Abstract :

Every year, many developmental-social and cultural plans are implemented in which citizens have a more or less prominent role. However, the role of citizens and their participation should be promoted to accelerate the implementation of plans and promote the social approach adopted by municipalities. Therefore, the present status of public participation and methods of its promotion should be investigated. The purpose of the research was to evaluate the actual participation of Tehran citizens in urban management plans and develop an operational model to promote public participation. The study was a descriptive one in which the data were collected by a mixed research method, i.e. both qualitative and quantitative. Based on Cochran’s sample size formula, the sample size was estimated to be 384. The first phase of the survey was completed by distributing a questionnaire between residents of the 13 neighborhoods of “District Eight” in Tehran.The results indicated that almost 60 percent of all the plans implemented by departments and units of the municipality have included public participation; however, inconsistency and changes in priorities have caused a reduction in continued participation. Furthermore, the unclear definition of the role of Support Councils and Neighborhood Houses (Sara-ye Mahalleh) has resulted in ineffective public participation. The results indicated that if citizens are made well aware of the measures taken by urban management, they will cooperate more to have them implemented. The suggestions provided at the end of the research are meant to increase public participation and overcome the obstacles identified.