Analysis of the Institutional and Managerial Structure of Cultural Heritage in Iran: A Re-examination of Senior Managers' and Experts' Perspectives

Rahimnia, Reza; Mahmoodi Ghouzhdi, Mohammadreza

doi:10.22083/scsj.2026.571452.1358

Analysis of the Institutional and Managerial Structure of Cultural Heritage in Iran: A Re-examination of Senior Managers' and Experts' Perspectives

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Reza Rahimnia

Mohammadreza Mahmoodi Ghouzhdi

Assistant Professor, Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, Imam Khomeini International University (IKIU), Qazvin, Iran

10.22083/scsj.2026.571452.1358

Abstract

Cultural heritage, as a core element of national identity, faces complex challenges that require comprehensive management. This study examines the major challenges and overarching strategies of Iran’s cultural heritage sector through a content analysis of the perspectives of 39 former managers and experts. Using a mixed qualitative–quantitative approach, the research focuses on the cultural heritage domain. Participants’ written statements were analyzed using MAXQDA software to identify key challenges and solutions. Findings were organized into two main dimensions—challenges and solutions—and classified across three domains: strategies, structures, and systems, corresponding to the hard dimensions of organizational analysis. The strategic domain highlights public participation, policy alignment, international cooperation, cultural capacities, and academic involvement. Structural issues include managerial inefficiencies, weak institutional frameworks, financial constraints, ineffective legislation, and human resource limitations. Systemic concerns involve heritage registration, conservation, archaeology, and cultural tourism. The study emphasizes the need for structural reform, policy revision, and stronger cross-sectoral coordination.

Keywords

Iran'

s Cultural Heritage, Senior Managers and Experts, Challenges, Solutions, Human Resources

Subjects