Evaluation of Dehyari's (rural municipalities) services quality utilizing Gap model Case study: Mian-Darband rural district, Kermanshah County

In 1998 Dehyari or rural municipality founded for administrating rural affairs. This was an appropriate step for villages’ managerial evolution and rural development in the country. This newly-established institution despite of some problems and shortcomings had considerable achievements in villages’ managerial affairs. Hence assessing Dehyaris’ performance from various aspects and divers methods and models has a considerable role in improvement and escalation of their function and situation. This reaserch utilizing Gap model evaluates Dehyaris’ services quality. To this end on the basis of theoretical principles and Dehyaris’ responsibilities 32 statements in behavioral, structural, social, economic and hygienic aspects was defined. The study area is 10 villages of Mian-Darband rural district of Kermanshah county (Iran). Population size consists of 4716 rural householders inhabited in mentioned villages and according to Cochran’s formula sample size equal to 360 persons. Research instrument was rural householder’s questionnaire that its validity approved by expert panel and Reliability confirmed via Cronbach’s alpha (α > 0.751 in all aspects). Findings revealed that in all mentioned aspect Deharys’ services quality was little and the gap between peasants’ expectations and perceptions especially in regard of economic aspect was greater than other dimensions. Also determined that between variables such as Dehyar’s (rural mayor) quality of behavior, his age and his participating in vocational education courses, with Deharys’ services quality in various aspects there is approvable positive correlation. Furthermore in regard of factors same as rural mayor’s education level, his second job and type of his presence in village, significant differences can be seen in Deharys’ services quality. Finally items such as arranging coordination and cooperation between sectors and organizations, considering organizational behavior, experience, educational quality and vocational education factors put forwarded for improving rural municipalities’ services quality and increasing peasants’ satisfaction.