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Volume 39, Issue 1 (2024)
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Received: 2023/07/23 | Accepted: 2023/12/21 | Published: 2024/02/13
Received: 2023/07/23 | Accepted: 2023/12/21 | Published: 2024/02/13
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Doosthoseini M, Bigdeli Rad V, Moinifar M. Assessment of the Social Participation Indicators in the Establishment of Urban Creative Districts within District Eleven in Tehran. GeoRes 2024; 39 (1) :1-10
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1- Department of Urban Planning, Qazvin Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qazvin, Iran
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Background
The worldwide urbanization and the development of global cities are some of the effects and outcomes of living in recent decades. Consequently, social participation is considered a strategy addressing social and urban problems in response to the limited awareness of citizens, the challenges in implementing municipal laws and regulations
Previous Studies
Social participation refers to the increased involvement of citizens in urban matters, which facilitates the growth and development of the creative urban area by empowering residents to have more impact on decision-making processes and changes [Levasseur et al., 2022]. The formation of an urban creative zone within urban areas stimulates the generation of diverse ideas, promotes active participation among the stakeholders in society, including residents, artists, urban planners, and non-governmental organizations, and enhances the quality of urban spaces, buildings, innovative designs, and creativity within the urban society [Segovia & Hervé, 2022].
Aim(s)
The current study examined the state of social participation indicators and their impact on developing an urban creative zone.
Research Type
This is an applied study.
Research Society, Place, and Time
This study was carried out in the 11th district of Tehran Municipality in 2023. District 11 is one of the important central areas of the Tehran metropolis.
Sampling Method and Number
The statistical population, calculated using Cochran's formula, was 383.6 individuals. Subsequently, 22 questionnaires were distributed in every neighborhood across 11 districts of Tehran, employing the spatial cluster sampling technique for selection. 374 questionnaires were collected from native residents of the district 11 of Tehran. These questionnaires were analyzed after excluding incomplete ones. The effective indicators in this research were extracted by analyzing both the internal and external context. Subsequently, the researcher assessed these indicators with a questionnaire of 38 items, measured using the Likert scale (1=very little, 2=low, 3=moderate, 4=high, and 5=very high). The opinions of specialists and urban planning experts were utilized to evaluate the questionnaire's validity. In addition, the reliability of the questionnaire was assessed using Cronabch’s alpha test, yielding a result of 0.954. This value indicated the appropriate reliability of the questionnaire. Finally, the data was analyzed using the structural equation model to ascertain the cause-and-effect relationships between the parameters.
Used Devices & Materials
After formulating a hypothesis and creating an initial conceptual model, structural equation modeling was implemented using the Smart pls 3 software platform. Finally, this approach was employed to validate the conceptual model, quantify the research parameters, identify the measurement items for each primary variable, and establish research hypotheses [Habibi & Kolahi, 2022].
Findings by Text
The process of evaluating and adapting the propensity model is used to assess social participation indicators in the development of urban creative areas.
A) Checking the reliability of indicators: This evaluation was conducted using factor loading coefficients, Cronbach's alpha coefficients, and composite reliability. The factor loading coefficients of all indicators in this model exceeded 0.4, indicating the suitability of the indicators and sub-indices (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Factor loading model for evaluating social participation indicators in the formation of urban creative area
The value of Cronbach's alpha was above 0.7, confirming the indicators' reliability (Table 1). The composite reliability in calculating the constructs exceeded 0.7, indicating an appropriate internal reliability between the constructs. b) Validating the indicators: the mean value of the extracted variance exceeded 0.5, indicating the constructs' convergence (Table 1).
Table 1. Convergent validity, composite reliability, and Cronbach’s alpha of research indicators
The research model's reliability and convergent validity were confirmed because Cronbach's alpha, composite reliability (internal consistency), and AVE all fell within the required range. In addition, the factor loading for each of the research measures was calculated to assess the construct's reliability and validity (Table 2). All the indicators have factor loadings above 0.4, and the reliability and construct validity of the research model's measures were also established.
Table 2. Factor loadings, mean, standard deviation, and variance of the indices of each structure
Significance coefficient
The significance coefficients were utilized to assess the relationship between the structures in the model (structural section). They demonstrated a significant relationship between the structures, thereby confirming the research hypotheses with a confidence level of 95%.
R2
According to the calculated R square, human capital, citizens' activity, urban creative area, innovation, quality of life, and social participation were identified as reflective components. The combined model had all five constituent components: participation rate, participation stability, participation depth, participation impact, and participation diversity.
Criterion Q2
Since the Q2 value of all six endogenous components exceeded zero, it may be concluded that they were accurately reconstructed and predicted. The positive coefficients of the path provide evidence of a direct relationship between the components and their influence. Subsequently, the relationships between the various components could be verified.
Figure 2. Significance coefficients of the components in each structure (t-statistics)
The results of the significance model indicated that participation with a path coefficient of 5.701 had a significant positive effect on social participation. Furthermore, the stability, depth, rate, and diversity of participation positively and significantly affected social participation. Improving social participation in the urban creative area resulted in advancing innovation, citizen involvement, quality of life, and human capital of the citizens in the area (Figure 2).
Main comparisons to similar studies
In contrast to the current study, Savini & Dimbski have stated that despite planning policies, production and an efficient, creative workforce were the characteristics of a creative city. The current research defines social participation as the ability to contribute to production, power, and efficiency in the creative city [Savini & Dembski, 2016]. In line with the current research, Rostami & Rezaie have identified the indicators indicating social participation and emphasized the social dimensions as the primary indicator of a creative city [Rostami & Rezaie Eshaghvandi, 2021]. Yarahamdi et al. conducted a study on creating creative urban places, employing a research methodology that differs significantly from the current research [Yarahamdi et al., 2021]. Kalantari et al. have conducted a study on the creative city indicators in Iran's megacities using a distinct methodology [Kalantari et al., 2017]. According to Wilson et al., continuous and active social participation in decision-making has led to greater prosperity and creativity in urban areas [Wilson et al., 2015].
Suggestions
1. Granting diverse societal groups the chance to engage in urban creativities within the eleventh district.
2. Engaging in dialogue with distinguished individuals and exceptional personnel for the expression and transmission of ideas
3. Urging financial backing from the private sector to foster creativity and innovation.
4. Advocating for enhanced collaboration and interaction among various establishments.
Conclusion
Regarding the characteristics associated with social participation, participation has the greatest influence on social participation in the development of urban creative areas, whilst the sustainability of participation has the least significant impact. In addition, sub-indices such as failure to recognize and attract individuals with exceptional abilities and talents, as well as weaknesses in cooperation and participation among people from different social strata, contribute to the underutilization of potential and hinder the expansion of the urban creative area.
Acknowledgments: The authors sincerely thank the experienced urban planning experts and city managers who collaborated and supported them in this study.
Ethical Approval: No ethical issues have been reported by the authors.
Conflict of Interest: No conflicts of interest have been reported by the authors.
Author Contributions: Doosthoseini M (First Author), Main Researcher (50%); Bigdeli Rad V (Second Author), Introduction Writer/Methodologist/Statistical Analyst (40%); Moinifar M (Third Author), Statistical Analyst (10%)
Funding: This article is derived from the doctoral dissertation of the first author, titled "Developing a Model of a Creative Urban Region from the Perspective of Social Capital: Case Study of District 11 of Tehran City." The research expenses were covered by the first author.
The worldwide urbanization and the development of global cities are some of the effects and outcomes of living in recent decades. Consequently, social participation is considered a strategy addressing social and urban problems in response to the limited awareness of citizens, the challenges in implementing municipal laws and regulations
Previous Studies
Social participation refers to the increased involvement of citizens in urban matters, which facilitates the growth and development of the creative urban area by empowering residents to have more impact on decision-making processes and changes [Levasseur et al., 2022]. The formation of an urban creative zone within urban areas stimulates the generation of diverse ideas, promotes active participation among the stakeholders in society, including residents, artists, urban planners, and non-governmental organizations, and enhances the quality of urban spaces, buildings, innovative designs, and creativity within the urban society [Segovia & Hervé, 2022].
Aim(s)
The current study examined the state of social participation indicators and their impact on developing an urban creative zone.
Research Type
This is an applied study.
Research Society, Place, and Time
This study was carried out in the 11th district of Tehran Municipality in 2023. District 11 is one of the important central areas of the Tehran metropolis.
Sampling Method and Number
The statistical population, calculated using Cochran's formula, was 383.6 individuals. Subsequently, 22 questionnaires were distributed in every neighborhood across 11 districts of Tehran, employing the spatial cluster sampling technique for selection. 374 questionnaires were collected from native residents of the district 11 of Tehran. These questionnaires were analyzed after excluding incomplete ones. The effective indicators in this research were extracted by analyzing both the internal and external context. Subsequently, the researcher assessed these indicators with a questionnaire of 38 items, measured using the Likert scale (1=very little, 2=low, 3=moderate, 4=high, and 5=very high). The opinions of specialists and urban planning experts were utilized to evaluate the questionnaire's validity. In addition, the reliability of the questionnaire was assessed using Cronabch’s alpha test, yielding a result of 0.954. This value indicated the appropriate reliability of the questionnaire. Finally, the data was analyzed using the structural equation model to ascertain the cause-and-effect relationships between the parameters.
Used Devices & Materials
After formulating a hypothesis and creating an initial conceptual model, structural equation modeling was implemented using the Smart pls 3 software platform. Finally, this approach was employed to validate the conceptual model, quantify the research parameters, identify the measurement items for each primary variable, and establish research hypotheses [Habibi & Kolahi, 2022].
Findings by Text
The process of evaluating and adapting the propensity model is used to assess social participation indicators in the development of urban creative areas.
A) Checking the reliability of indicators: This evaluation was conducted using factor loading coefficients, Cronbach's alpha coefficients, and composite reliability. The factor loading coefficients of all indicators in this model exceeded 0.4, indicating the suitability of the indicators and sub-indices (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Factor loading model for evaluating social participation indicators in the formation of urban creative area
The value of Cronbach's alpha was above 0.7, confirming the indicators' reliability (Table 1). The composite reliability in calculating the constructs exceeded 0.7, indicating an appropriate internal reliability between the constructs. b) Validating the indicators: the mean value of the extracted variance exceeded 0.5, indicating the constructs' convergence (Table 1).
Table 1. Convergent validity, composite reliability, and Cronbach’s alpha of research indicators
The research model's reliability and convergent validity were confirmed because Cronbach's alpha, composite reliability (internal consistency), and AVE all fell within the required range. In addition, the factor loading for each of the research measures was calculated to assess the construct's reliability and validity (Table 2). All the indicators have factor loadings above 0.4, and the reliability and construct validity of the research model's measures were also established.
Table 2. Factor loadings, mean, standard deviation, and variance of the indices of each structure
Significance coefficient
The significance coefficients were utilized to assess the relationship between the structures in the model (structural section). They demonstrated a significant relationship between the structures, thereby confirming the research hypotheses with a confidence level of 95%.
R2
According to the calculated R square, human capital, citizens' activity, urban creative area, innovation, quality of life, and social participation were identified as reflective components. The combined model had all five constituent components: participation rate, participation stability, participation depth, participation impact, and participation diversity.
Criterion Q2
Since the Q2 value of all six endogenous components exceeded zero, it may be concluded that they were accurately reconstructed and predicted. The positive coefficients of the path provide evidence of a direct relationship between the components and their influence. Subsequently, the relationships between the various components could be verified.
Figure 2. Significance coefficients of the components in each structure (t-statistics)
The results of the significance model indicated that participation with a path coefficient of 5.701 had a significant positive effect on social participation. Furthermore, the stability, depth, rate, and diversity of participation positively and significantly affected social participation. Improving social participation in the urban creative area resulted in advancing innovation, citizen involvement, quality of life, and human capital of the citizens in the area (Figure 2).
Main comparisons to similar studies
In contrast to the current study, Savini & Dimbski have stated that despite planning policies, production and an efficient, creative workforce were the characteristics of a creative city. The current research defines social participation as the ability to contribute to production, power, and efficiency in the creative city [Savini & Dembski, 2016]. In line with the current research, Rostami & Rezaie have identified the indicators indicating social participation and emphasized the social dimensions as the primary indicator of a creative city [Rostami & Rezaie Eshaghvandi, 2021]. Yarahamdi et al. conducted a study on creating creative urban places, employing a research methodology that differs significantly from the current research [Yarahamdi et al., 2021]. Kalantari et al. have conducted a study on the creative city indicators in Iran's megacities using a distinct methodology [Kalantari et al., 2017]. According to Wilson et al., continuous and active social participation in decision-making has led to greater prosperity and creativity in urban areas [Wilson et al., 2015].
Suggestions
1. Granting diverse societal groups the chance to engage in urban creativities within the eleventh district.
2. Engaging in dialogue with distinguished individuals and exceptional personnel for the expression and transmission of ideas
3. Urging financial backing from the private sector to foster creativity and innovation.
4. Advocating for enhanced collaboration and interaction among various establishments.
Conclusion
Regarding the characteristics associated with social participation, participation has the greatest influence on social participation in the development of urban creative areas, whilst the sustainability of participation has the least significant impact. In addition, sub-indices such as failure to recognize and attract individuals with exceptional abilities and talents, as well as weaknesses in cooperation and participation among people from different social strata, contribute to the underutilization of potential and hinder the expansion of the urban creative area.
Acknowledgments: The authors sincerely thank the experienced urban planning experts and city managers who collaborated and supported them in this study.
Ethical Approval: No ethical issues have been reported by the authors.
Conflict of Interest: No conflicts of interest have been reported by the authors.
Author Contributions: Doosthoseini M (First Author), Main Researcher (50%); Bigdeli Rad V (Second Author), Introduction Writer/Methodologist/Statistical Analyst (40%); Moinifar M (Third Author), Statistical Analyst (10%)
Funding: This article is derived from the doctoral dissertation of the first author, titled "Developing a Model of a Creative Urban Region from the Perspective of Social Capital: Case Study of District 11 of Tehran City." The research expenses were covered by the first author.
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