Geography and Regional Planning

Geography and Regional Planning

Development and Validation of a Novel Spatial PolicyMaking Model for Tehran Metropolis Based on a MixedMethods Approach

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Hamidreza Goodarzi 1
Hamidreza Mohammadi 2
Safar Ghaedrahmati 3
Hojat Mahkouei 1
1 Department of Geography, Na.C., Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran.
2 Department of Geography, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
3 Department of Geography, Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
10.22034/jgeoq.2026.581599.4439
Abstract
Space in metropolitan areas constitutes a multidimensional and inherently political arena in which power relations and governance mechanisms are materially and symbolically manifested. In Tehran metropolis, inefficiencies in the political management of space have contributed to the intensification of spatial inequalities as well as social and institutional challenges. Therefore, developing a contextspecific spatial policymaking model tailored to Tehran is of critical importance.

The present study aims to conceptualize and validate a novel model of the political space management system in Tehran using an exploratory mixedmethods approach (qualitativequantitative). In the qualitative phase, key components were identified through thematic analysis of semistructured interviews conducted with 16 experts. Subsequently, causal relationships and hierarchical levels among variables were determined using Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) with the participation of 15 specialists. In the quantitative phase, the proposed model was validated through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), based on survey data collected from 384 employees of Tehran Municipality.The findings resulted in the identification of 32 key variables organized into four overarching dimensionsdrivers, existing conditions, strategies, and outcomesstructured across seven hierarchical levels. The results indicate that politicalgovernance, security, legal, economic, and managerial drivers play a foundational role in causally shaping spatial and social outcomes. Quantitative analyses further confirmed the satisfactory model fit and the statistical significance of the relationships among variables.By proposing a validated, indigenous model, this study provides a practical and systematic framework for enhancing spatial governance and political space management in Tehran metropolis.
Keywords
Political Management of Space
Spatial Governance
Tehran Metropolis
Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM)
Confirmatory Factor Analysis
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