Urban Development Policy Making

Urban Development Policy Making

Performance Evaluation and Organizational Transparency in Tehran Municipality: Transition from a Control Model to a Learning and Open-Data Model (Case Study: 22 Districts)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Elham Sangi 1
Ali Jafari Shahrestani 2
1 Urban Planning Researcher, M.A. in Urban and Regional Planning, Tehran, Iran
2 PhD in Development Economics and Planning, Faculty of Economic Sciences, Allamah Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/judpm.2026.562557.1075
Abstract
This study investigates how transitioning from a traditional control‑oriented administrative paradigm to a learning‑oriented and open‑data governance model can enhance performance evaluation and organizational transparency in the Municipality of Tehran. Using all 22 municipal districts as an empirical setting, the research examines the relationships between managerial development, organizational learning orientation, open data practices, and transparency outcomes. A quantitative approach was adopted, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to managers and administrative experts across seven functional domains: infrastructure and urban development, human resources, budgeting and finance, public participation, information technology, service delivery, and regulatory compliance. Structural equation modeling (SEM) using maximum likelihood estimation was employed for analysis. The model demonstrated acceptable goodness‑of‑fit indices (CFI=0.94, TLI=0.91, RMSEA=0.058, χ²/df=2.45). Results indicate that managerial development significantly improves both information transparency (β=0.54) and accountability transparency (β=0.62). The findings highlight the role of learning‑based management and open data practices in strengthening transparency and improving municipal performance evaluation systems.
Keywords
Evaluation
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Organizational Transparency
Tehran Municipality
Open-Data Governance
Subjects
1.    Behn RD. Why measure performance? Different purposes require different measures. Public Administration Review. 2003;63(5):586–606.
2.    Hood C. A public management for all seasons? Public Administration. 1991;69(1):3-19.
3.    Moynihan DP. The dynamics of performance management: Constructing information and reform. Washington (DC): Georgetown University Press; 2008.
4.    Meijer AJ. Understanding the complex dynamics of transparency. Public Administration Review. 2013;73(3):429-439. 
5.    Ghousi R, Naddafpour A. Proposing a rapid plant assessment hybrid method using data envelopment analysis for municipalities performance evaluation (Case Study: Isfahan municipality). Management Tomorrow. 2018;16(53):209-226. [Persian]
6.    Smith N, Mitton C, Corlenissen E, Gibson J. Using evaluation theory in priority setting and resource allocation. Journal of Health Organization and Management. 2012;26(5):656-671.
7.    Moosavi M. Design a performance assessment model for affiliate organizations of civil management using balanced scorecard development. Quarterly Journal of Management of Governmental Organizations. 2016;4(2):97-118. [Persian]
8.    Rafizadeh A, Ronagh Y. Performance ‎management and evaluation: A scientific and applied approach. Farmanesh, Tehran; 2013. [Persian]
9.    Parmenter D. Key performance indicators: developing, implementing, and using winning KPIs. New Jersey, John Wiley & Sons; 2015.
10.              Ogbeifun E, Mbohwa C, Pretorius JHC. Developing Key Performance Indicators using the Delphi technique. FUTY Journal of the Environment. 2016;10(1):27-38.
11.              Ghaderi SF, Azadeh M, Mirjalili M, Sheikhalishahi M. Assessment Human Resources of Banks Using DEA and Fuzzy DEA Approaches. Advances in Industrial Engineering. 2010;44(2):213-228. [Persian]
12.              Barakpour N, Ghoharpour H, Karimi M. Evaluation of Municipality Performance based on Citizen Satisfaction with Urban Public Services in city of Tehran. Urban Management. 2010;8(25):203-218. [Persian]
13.              Afiyah S. Performance Measurement and Evaluation in Public Sector Organizations. The Journal of Academic Science. 2024;1(4):313-322.
14.              Dessler G. Human Resource Management, 8th ed. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall; 2008.
15.              Tehran Municipality, Deputy of Planning, Urban Development and Council Affairs. Performance Evaluation Guidelines for Districts, Organizations and Affiliated Companies of Tehran Municipality. Tehran: Tehran Municipality; 2018. [Persian]
16.              Shahidipour R, Sangi E, Mazaherian H, Karami A, Jafari-Shahrestani A. Identification and prioritization of performance evaluation indicators of Tehran Municipality districts using the fuzzy Delphi method. Quarterly Journal of Urban and Regional Development Planning. 2021;3(15):51–87. [Persian]
Urban Development Policy Making
Volume 3, Issue 2
Summer 2026
Pages 249-262

  • Receive Date 23 October 2025
  • Revise Date 22 December 2025
  • Accept Date 20 February 2026
  • Publish Date 01 June 2026