Developing a Conceptual Model for Policy Making of Governmental Support for the Iranian Publishing Sector

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Ebrahim Heydari 1
Mehrdad Sadeghi 2
Ali Rashidpour 3
1 PhD Candidate, Department of Culture and Communication, Isf.C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
2 Assistant Prof., Department of Culture and Communication, Isf.C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
3 Associate Prof., Department of Culture and Communication, Isf.C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
10.22034/aimj.2025.549806.1652
Abstract
The aim of this study is to develop a comprehensive model for government support policy in Iran's publishing industry. This study sought to discover and explain the dimensions, components, and internal relationships of the phenomenon of government support policy within the local context of the Iranian publishing industry, thereby providing a theoretical and practical framework for policymakers and stakeholders in this field. The research adopted a qualitative approach to answer the research questions, utilizing the Grounded Theory method. Rich data was collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 15 experts and key actors in the Iranian publishing industry. The analysis of these interviews, through open, axial, and selective coding, led to the discovery of key concepts, categories, and dimensions that shaped the research's conceptual model. Furthermore, the components of the paradigmatic model—namely, phenomenon, causal conditions, contextual conditions, intervening conditions, strategies, and consequences—were used to analyze the key dimensions. The result of the open coding process was the identification and extraction of 680 initial codes/concepts. The results of the axial coding led to the organization of these initial concepts into the six main dimensions of the paradigmatic model, comprising a total of 166 broader concepts. The dimensions of this model are as follows: Phenomenon (29 concepts); Causal Conditions (32 concepts); Contextual Conditions (30 concepts); Intervening Conditions (16 concepts); Strategies (36 concepts); and Consequences (23 concepts). In the third and final step of coding, selective coding, the 166 axial concepts were organized into 20 broader and more abstract categories. Government support policy for the publishing industry in Iran has always been a challenge and has not been comprehensively addressed in academic research until now. The current research, with an encompassing perspective, seeks to develop the theoretical model for this type of policymaking. The present research developed and validated a comprehensive and indigenous model for government support policy in Iran's publishing industry. This model provides theoretical insights and can be used as a strategic tool for policymakers in formulating and implementing targeted and effective support programs.

Keywords

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  • Receive Date 28 September 2025
  • Revise Date 07 October 2025
  • Accept Date 07 October 2025