Formulating a Strategic Management Framework for Addressing Spatial Inequality in Kabul City

Mohammad Mansoor  Pirozy; Azita Rajabi

Authors

Mohammad Mansoor Pirozy Ph.D. Student, Department of Urban Planning, C.T.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8066-3321
Azita Rajabi Department of Geography and Urban Planning, C.T.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3022-203X

Keywords:

Spatial inequality, strategic management, spatial planning, urban governance, spatial justice, institutional capacity, Kabul City

Abstract

This study aimed to formulate and empirically validate a strategic management framework for addressing spatial inequality in Kabul City. An applied exploratory mixed-methods design with sequential qualitative and quantitative phases was used. In the qualitative phase, 20 experts in urban planning, urban management, geography, public administration, architecture, sociology, and strategic management were selected purposively and through snowball sampling in Tehran, and semi-structured interviews were conducted until theoretical saturation. The resulting categories and indicators were used to develop a researcher-made questionnaire. In the quantitative phase, 384 academic, managerial, and professional experts were recruited in Tehran through purposive and professional-network sampling. Construct validity was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis, while reliability and convergent validity were evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability, and average variance extracted. Structural equation modeling was then applied to test relationships among the framework components, with p < .05 considered statistically significant. Governance and institutional deficiencies significantly increased spatial and infrastructural inequalities (β = 0.487, p < .001), as did structural and socioeconomic drivers (β = 0.318, p < .001). Integrated spatial planning (β = 0.337, p < .001), institutional capacity building (β = 0.291, p < .001), monitoring and performance management (β = 0.263, p < .001), and participatory governance (β = 0.214, p < .001) significantly strengthened strategic management implementation. Strategic management implementation had a strong positive effect on spatial justice outcomes (β = 0.621, p < .001) and urban cohesion and resilience (β = 0.536, p < .001). Spatial justice outcomes also significantly enhanced urban cohesion and resilience (β = 0.329, p < .001). The model explained 61.4% of the variance in spatial and infrastructural inequalities, 68.7% in strategic management implementation, 58.9% in spatial justice outcomes, and 63.2% in urban cohesion and resilience.

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