Identifying Key Indicators Influencing the Implementation of Sustainable Development Policies Based on the Small Wins Approach in Iran

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 , Public Administration Department, Faculty of Economics and Management, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Management, Center for Management Studies, Tarbiat Modares Univers

3 Department of Public Administration, Qazvin Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qazvin, Iran

Abstract
This study aims to identify the factors influencing the implementation of sustainable development policies based on the Small Wins approach in Iran. In terms of purpose, the research is applied, while methodologically it adopts a descriptive qualitative design. The study was conducted using a qualitative approach based on Glaser's emergent grounded theory methodology. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, the protocol for which was developed following a comprehensive review of the relevant literature. The interview data were subsequently analyzed through the coding procedures of Glaser's emergent grounded theory approach. The participants consisted of experts and practitioners with extensive experience in sustainable development policy implementation. Participants were selected using purposive and theoretical sampling, and data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved.The findings revealed that a wide range of factors influence the implementation of sustainable development policies. Drawing upon the concepts of Small Wins and sustainable development, 36 factors were identified through the coding process. These were subsequently classified into two overarching categories: driving factors and barrier factors. The results further indicated that each of these overarching factors comprises six dimensions, namely economic, social, cultural, strategic, environmental, and organizational, encompassing a total of 18 sub-factors. The analysis demonstrates that these factors constitute the key determinants of sustainable development and, within the proposed framework, represent the principal dimensions for the formulation and implementation of sustainable development policies. Furthermore, findings suggest that these factors provide a valuable analytical framework for designing and implementing sustainable development policies, particularly in developing countries such as Iran.

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 22 September 2026