Challenges of Development Policies Implementation in Iran: A Thematic Analysis

Purpose: This research aims to identify and categorize the implementation challenges of development policies in Iran. Policy implementation is one of the most important steps in the policy-making process, which highlights the results of the previous steps in order to optimize the output and results of the policies. Methodology: Using thematic analysis method, the research data were analyzed by open and axial coding. Purposive sampling was used and data included scientific articles as well as reports of organizations and research centers related to the implementation of development policies, which were collected by applying a documentary method. Besides, data source triangulation and researcher triangulation were used for coding the data and categorizing the concepts. Findings: Results of the two stages of data coding show that the challenges of development policies implementation in Iran can be categorized into five themes: 1. nature of the formulated policies, 2. characteristics of the implementers, 3. structures and administrating organizations, 4. conditions and environment of implementation, 5. implementation sources and tools. The identification of the challenges of implementing development policies in Iran can help Iranian policy makers and managers take them in their future policy-making so that they may avoid the imminent problems. Value: The use of qualitative method of thematic analysis and a wide range of data sources has led to the presentation of a new classification of implementation challenges of development policies in Iran, which covers different aspects of policy implementation.