Designing and Validating a Model to Enhance the Implementation Capacity of Justice-Oriented Economic Policies in the Ministry of Industry, Mine, and Trade: A Mixed-Methods Approach

seyedhamed sadathosseini ¹ ( Department of Public Administration, Kerman Branch, Islamic Azad )
Amin Nikpour ² ( Department of Public Administration, Kerman Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kerman, Iran )
hamdollah ManzariTavakoli ³ ( Department of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Kerman Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kerman, Iran )
Zahra shoukoh ⁴ ( Department of Public Administration, Ke.C., Islamic Azad University, Kerman, Iran )
shiva madahian ⁵ ( Assistant Professor, Islamic Azad University )

Submited date : 2025-08-13 Accepted date : 2025-10-12

Keywords: Economic Policies, Policy Implementation, Capacity Building, Social Justice, Thematic Analysis, Conceptual Model, MIIT,

Abstract :

Extended Abstract

Introduction

The persistent gap between policy formulation and implementation, often labeled the “missing link” in public administration, presents a significant challenge, particularly in developing countries like Iran. This gap is especially pronounced in the economic policy domain, where implementation failures not only lead to inefficiency but also exacerbate social inequalities, eroding public trust (Alvani & Danaeifard, 2023). The Ministry of Industry, Mine, and Trade (MIIT) in Iran serves as a critical institution for national development, yet its policies frequently fail to deliver justice-oriented outcomes, particularly in underdeveloped southeastern regions where disparities are stark. This research addresses the core problem: the absence of a comprehensive, empirically validated, and context-specific model that links implementation capacities to social justice outcomes. While prior studies have highlighted implementation barriers (Asadi et al., 2017) and explored economic justice principles (Sharifzadegan, 2017), an integrated framework elucidating causal relationships for policymakers remains elusive. Contemporary scholarship increasingly advocates for innovative policy approaches to address structural challenges to social justice in the modern era (Béland & Mahon, 2024). This study seeks to bridge this gap by developing and validating a model tailored to MIIT, shifting the focus from identifying challenges to providing an actionable, systemic solution for enhancing justice-oriented policy implementation.

Theoretical Framework

This research constructs its conceptual foundation by synthesizing three complementary theoretical perspectives. First, it builds on classic Policy Implementation Theories, including top-down and bottom-up approaches (Sabatier, 1986), which emphasize processes, actors, and barriers. Recognizing the limitations of linear models, the framework incorporates recent advances highlighting the complexity of policy mixes (Howlett, 2024) and the renewed importance of social equity in implementation studies (Hupe & Buffat, 2024). Second, it integrates Theories of Social Justice as a normative anchor. John Rawls’s (1971, 2001) principles of “fair equality of opportunity” and the “difference principle” provide a benchmark for evaluating just policy outcomes, complemented by Amartya Sen’s (1999) Capability Approach, which redefines development as expanding individuals’ real freedoms. Third, the framework hinges on Implementation Capacity as the bridge between normative ideals and practical results. This multi-dimensional concept—encompassing individual, organizational, institutional, networked, and systemic capacities—aligns with recent research underscoring its critical role in navigating crises (Raudla et al., 2018). Studies within relevant journals further support this, emphasizing capacity building in public organizations (Pourezzat & Gholipour, 2022) and the role of good governance in achieving administrative justice (Memarzadeh & Sadeghi, 2023). This synthesis underpins the study’s six-construct model, designed to address MIIT’s specific context.

Methodology

The study adopted a sequential exploratory mixed-methods design to ensure a robust and context-sensitive model.

Qualitative Phase: This phase identified the model’s dimensions through semi-structured interviews with 20 purposively selected experts—10 academics and 10 executives from MIIT—until theoretical saturation was achieved after 18 interviews. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-step thematic analysis, resulting in six overarching themes. Rigor was maintained through member checking (for credibility) and peer debriefing (for dependability), with a Cohen’s kappa of 0.78 confirming inter-coder reliability.
Quantitative Phase: This phase structured and validated the model. Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) engaged 15 experts to establish hierarchical relationships among the themes, using a Structural Self-Interaction Matrix (SSIM) and majority rule (70% agreement) for consensus. Subsequently, Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) validated the model empirically. A researcher-developed questionnaire with 36 Likert-scale items (5-point) was distributed, yielding 358 valid responses from managers and experts in Iran’s southeastern provinces (Sistan and Baluchestan, Kerman, Hormozgan). Sample size was determined using Cochran’s formula (n=385 target, 93% response rate), and analysis was conducted using SmartPLS 4, with 2000 bootstrap samples for significance testing.

Discussion and Results

The findings offer a multi-layered, empirically validated insight into implementation capacity for justice-oriented economic policies. The qualitative phase identified six constructs: 1) Executive and Structural Challenges (e.g., corruption, infrastructure deficits), 2) Regional Inequality and Centralization (e.g., unequal resource distribution), 3) Justice-Orientation and Sustainable Development (e.g., equitable opportunities), 4) Enhancing and Empowering Factors (e.g., transparency, skill development), 5) Management and Inter-Actor Collaboration (e.g., coordination among stakeholders), and 6) Monitoring, Analysis, and Global Factors (e.g., sanctions impact). ISM analysis delineated a three-level hierarchy: “Executive and Structural Challenges” as the foundational driver (Level III), four mediating constructs at Level II, and “Regional Inequality” as the dependent outcome (Level I). This suggests that structural issues are the root cause, with inequality as a downstream effect. PLS-SEM confirmed this structure with a good fit (GOF=0.399, SRMR=0.066). All paths were significant (p<0.05), with the strongest effects from “Enhancing and Empowering Factors” (β=0.285) and “Monitoring, Analysis, and Global Factors” (β=0.264) on structural challenges. R² values (0.436-0.463) indicated robust explanatory power, while high HTMT ratios signaled a conceptual convergence between justice and implementation, aligning with practitioner perspectives. These results underscore that addressing structural barriers is prerequisite to achieving justice goals, consistent with global findings (Becker & Schmitt, 2024; Signé, 2025).

Conclusion

This research successfully developed and validated a comprehensive, hierarchical model to enhance the implementation capacity of justice-oriented economic policies at MIIT. Its key contribution lies in demonstrating that social justice is a systemic process, necessitating a starting point of tackling “Executive and Structural Challenges.” The model provides an evidence-based framework for policymakers, transitioning from abstract objectives to a concrete, multi-dimensional strategy. Enhancing “Enhancing and Empowering Factors” (e.g., training programs) and “Monitoring, Analysis, and Global Factors” (e.g., real-time data systems) strengthens the ability to overcome structural hurdles, paving the way for “Justice-Orientation” and reducing “Regional Inequality.” For MIIT, practical recommendations include forming a task force for structural reforms, investing in digital transparency tools, and fostering inter-agency collaboration. Limitations include the regional focus and cross-sectional nature of data. Future studies could explore longitudinal validation, test the model in other ministries, or investigate digital technologies’ role in policy execution.

Contribution of Authors

All authors contributed equally to this research.

Acknowledgments

This study adhered to ethical research principles, with written informed consent obtained from all participants.

Conflict of Interest

No conflicts of interest are declared by the authors.

References:

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