Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, Faculty of Law and Political Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
2
Researcher, Conflict and Cooperation Group, Middle East Scientific and Strategic Research Center, Tehran, Iran.
10.48308/piaj.2025.241314.1754
Abstract
Introduction and goals: With the advancement of digital transformation and the growing role of data in governance decision-making, understanding public attitudes toward data governance has become increasingly critical. Data governance, as a framework for managing, preserving, and utilizing data, not only influences policymaking, transparency, and governmental accountability but also fundamentally requires public acceptance and engagement. In Iran, despite technological progress, a crucial gap remains in understanding public perceptions of data use, protection, and sharing. This study aims to analyze public attitudes toward data governance, identify the accompanying social and cultural barriers, and propose strategies to enhance public engagement with data-driven policies. Specifically, the research focuses on understanding the factors that shape citizens’ trust or distrust in data management. The main objectives include assessing the level of public awareness of data governance, evaluating attitudes toward data transparency and security, and pinpointing the missing links in current data policy formulation. Moreover, the study seeks to answer a key question: “What factors shape public attitudes toward data governance in Iran, and how can policymakers address this missing link within the country’s data policies?”
Method: This study, situated within the field of political science, employed interview-based data as an effective method for informing policy formulation. The research adopts a descriptive–analytical approach with a quantitative orientation. Data were collected through structured interviews and Likert-scale questionnaires (ranging from 1 to 5). The statistical population consists of students and graduates in the fields of Political Science, Law, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Political Geography, and Sociology. The sample size was determined to be 150 participants, calculated using Cochran’s formula. The study utilized a non-probability sampling method. After data collection, the responses were coded and entered into the SPSS software (Data View section). Subsequently, the Frequencies command was used to calculate the mean values of responses, which were then organized into summary tables. The primary objective of this research is to analyze descriptive data to examine the challenges of data governance in contemporary society, with the results presented in the findings section.
Results and Discussion: The results of the survey data analysis indicate that the level of public awareness regarding the concepts of data governance in Iran is limited. Many citizens lack sufficient familiarity with key notions such as data transparency, information security, and digital rights. This lack of awareness is accompanied by a general distrust toward data-governing institutions and significant concerns over the potential misuse of personal or public data. Furthermore, the findings reveal that the absence of transparent communication mechanisms and effective social participation constitutes the main missing link in the data governance process. Conversely, individuals with direct experience interacting with digital government services demonstrate more positive attitudes toward data management, highlighting the role of firsthand experience in strengthening public trust. The study also suggests that organizational culture and macro-level policymaking play decisive roles in shaping public acceptance. Weaknesses in these areas tend to intensify citizens’ resistance and distrust. Ultimately, identifying this missing link and the factors influencing public attitudes enables the formulation of policy solutions grounded in social participation, transparency, and digital education. Such approaches can contribute to improving the quality of data-driven decision-making and enhancing citizens’ trust in governmental institutions.
Conclusion: The study's findings indicate that public attitudes toward data governance in Iran are primarily influenced by factors such as digital literacy, direct experience with e-government services, and trust in governmental institutions. The most significant challenge identified is a lack of transparency and adequate education in digital rights, which has created a persistent "missing link" between policy-making and social acceptance. Bridging this gap requires a multi-faceted approach encompassing public education, institutional transparency, and participatory policy design. Building trust through active citizen engagement and robust data security guarantees is crucial for the successful adoption of data governance. Ultimately, effective data governance depends not only on technological infrastructure but also on its alignment with the socio-cultural structures of society.
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