Human resources development during the reform movement in Guilan Province, Iran: an appraisal

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore the reform movement outcomes in state organizations in Guilan Province of Iran. Guilan Province as research site is one of a few successful provinces in Iran that participated in the reform movement. This study was conducted at research site within three years immediately after reform program from 2005 to 2008. The assessment was completed by using a multi scale survey based on the Second and the Third Development Plan of Iran. A total of 314 public managers participated in this study. Therefore, managers in different level as reform executive rated the extent of the reform movement objectives' performance. Those objectives such as generating managerial capacity, changing the attitudes and skill level of public employees, and attraction and retaining the experts and professionals did not fare well in the Development Plans. Managers believe that the objectives of human resources development have been generally achieved. Nevertheless, there is a considerable gap between actual results and stated objectives of The Plans. Furthermore, public managers pointed out that program associated with the reform plans implemented within human resources development dimension has not been as successful as possible.