Performance evaluation in modern public management systems is not merely an administrative control tool; rather, it serves as a mechanism for enhancing transparency, accountability, and organizational learning. The present study aims to examine the impact of performance evaluation indicators used across the twenty-two districts of the Tehran Municipality on the dimensions of organizational transparency (informational, procedural, and accountability-related). This research is applied in nature and employs a descriptive–analytical approach. Data were collected through a combination of documentary studies, semi-structured interviews with evaluation managers, and specialized questionnaires. The relationships among the variables were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in SmartPLS software.



The results of the model indicate a positive and significant relationship between organizational performance and transparency. Specifically, the “Management Development and Smart Governance” indicator has a substantial effect on informational transparency (β = 0.54), while the “Citizen Feedback” indicator exerts the strongest influence on accountability transparency (β = 0.62). Nevertheless, the lack of integration among the indicators and the limited public dissemination of evaluation results hinder the realization of full institutional transparency.



The analytical findings suggest that the performance evaluation system of the Tehran Municipality remains confined to a hierarchical control stage and has not yet developed the capacity for organizational learning or open-data governance. Accordingly, transitioning from a control-oriented model to a learning-oriented and participatory model based on open data can pave the way for sustainable transparency and enhanced public trust in Tehran’s urban management.