A Grounded Theory Approach to Developing a Model for Challenges of Policy-Making and Planning of Rural Development in Iran

Because of some problems and challenges in policy-making and planning of rural development, the national development programs of Iran have mainly failed in achieving their goals in the rural areas. Hence, the main purpose of this study was to identify and analyze the challenges of rural development policy-making and planning in Iran. These challenges were identified and analyzed in the form of inductive approach by using grounded theory approach. The participants consisted of all experts in rural development and planning area. The purposeful and snowball sampling methods were used to select 28 experts, based on theoretical saturation criterion. The results showed that the lack of development paradigm and theory led to the lack of integrity in rural policy-making and planning system, resulting in the reinforcement of one-dimensional, reductionist and incompatible attitudes and beliefs about rural areas as well as non-participatory approaches.