Socio-cognitive Factors Affecting the Optimal Performance of Groups for the Protection and Exploitation of Water Resources in Isfahan Province

Today, cultural capital and its promotion are emphasized in reducing and controlling social issues such as environmental crises. It seems that sustainable development, especially its environmental aspect, depends on cultural and social factors. The purpose of this study is to investigate the cultural and social factors affecting the optimal performance of water resources protection and exploitation groups in Isfahan province. This research is based on sociological theories, the socio-psychological theory of Schwartz's altruistic behavior, Giddens's view, Moore and Maranz's view, and Stern's view. The research method is of descriptive-correlational survey type. The study population included all organizational forces and affiliated companies under the supervision of Isfahan Regional Water Company in 1400 (2021). The total number of statistical population was estimated to be 362 people. Then, 196 people were selected using Morgan's table. A researcher-made questionnaire was used to collect the data. Descriptive statistics (mean, variance, standard deviation, minimum and maximum, frequency, and percentage) and inferential statistics (Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling method) were also used. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 24 and AMOS version 24. The results showed that cultural factors (social trust, social participation, and water conflicts) and social factors (environmental awareness, environmental attitudes, and culture of improving consumption patterns) had an effect on the optimal performance of water conservation and exploitation groups in Isfahan province. Environmental awareness (with a Beta weight of 0.235), environmental attitudes (with a Beta weight of 0.555), consumer culture modification culture (with a Beta weight of 1.063), social trust (with a Beta weight of 0.830), social participation (with a Beta weight of 0.929) and water conflicts (with a Beta weight of 0.909) had an effect on the optimal performance of water conservation and exploitation groups in Isfahan province. Accordingly, the environmental behaviors of citizens and institutions should be eco-oriented and based on people's values, beliefs, and environmental awareness. Therefore, in the new management and practical actions in water sustainability and its environmental challenges, in addition to technical factors, the attitude and environmental knowledge of man and the cultural aspects of his behaviors should also be noticed. The result of this research showed that environmental awareness and knowledge and the weak level of social participation of local users are factors affecting the efficiency and effectiveness of water resources protection groups in Isfahan.