Organizational Network Transformation for Rural Sustainability: Social Network Analysis of Iran’s Rural Development Program

This study evaluates how Iran’s Rural Constellation Development and Prosperity Plan (RCDPP) transformed governance networks in Gachsaran County’s semi-arid rural areas. Using longitudinal Social Network Analysis (SNA) of 22 organizations, we observed increased network density (48% to 62.3%), reduced centralization (24.3% to 18.4%), and enhanced reciprocity (27.6% to 35.8%). These shifts reflect a transition from hierarchical to polycentric governance, fostering collaboration and resilience. Key stakeholders emerged as coordinators, enabling inclusive decision-making. The findings demonstrate SNA’s utility in policy evaluation and highlight the importance of decentralized, reciprocal networks for sustainable rural development in resource-constrained environments.