Strategic Management Thought

Identifying and Prioritizing Performance Assessment Challenges in Multi-Hierarchical Networks: The Role of the Ministry of Interior in the Government

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Master student of Islamic Studies and Public Administration, Department of Governance, Faculty of Islamic Studies and Management, Imam Sadiq University (AS), Tehran, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Islamic Studies and Management, Imam Sadiq University, Tehran, Iran

3 Graduated from the University of Tehran with a PhD in Public Administration.

4 Master's student in Islamic Studies and Public Administration, Department of Governance, Faculty of Islamic Studies and Management, Imam Sadiq University (AS), Tehran, Iran.

10.30497/smt.2025.248068.3654

Abstract

Performance assessment in complex public sector governance, such as multi-hierarchical or heterarchical structures, presents significant challenges. This is particularly true for entities like the Ministry of Interior, which acts as a coordinator among various institutions and bears accountability for outcomes despite not directly implementing policies. This study aimed to identify and prioritize these performance assessment challenges within such a structure.

Following a literature review, researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 16 senior Ministry managers. Thematic analysis yielded 15 key challenge components. These components were then prioritized using a fuzzy Delphi method involving 10 governance experts.

The findings categorize the main challenges into four broad types: perceptual, indicator-related, statistical, and procedural. Among the most critical issues identified were the lack of mutual understanding between assessors and assessees, weaknesses in upstream regulations, and the difficulty of disentangling the Ministry's performance from that of other interconnected institutions. Highlighting the complex nature of assessment in heterarchical settings, the study stresses the necessity of revising performance indicators, strengthening assessor capabilities, and fostering a shared understanding among stakeholders to improve the effectiveness of performance assessment systems.

Keywords

Main Subjects

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Strategic Management Thought
Volume 18, Issue 3 - Serial Number 41
September 2025
  • Receive Date: 15 April 2025
  • Revise Date: 06 September 2025
  • Accept Date: 23 April 2025