Ranking the Factors Affecting Implementation of Privatization Policies in Iran

The purpose of this study is to explain and prioritize the barriers affecting the prevention of implementation of privatization policies in Iran. In the study, first, by reviewing the theoretical foundations, comparative studies and conducting in-depth, semi-structured interviews with experts, preliminary information was collected. Then, using thematic analysis, the barriers to the implementation of privatization policies were identified, coded and analyzed. After identifying the barriers, the identified variables were classified into 14 main themes and 92 sub-themes. For the purpose of ranking, the barriers were first randomly selected via a statistical population of 55 private sector experts and academics, and then they, using a pairwise comparison matrix and employing the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique, were ranked. The main factors, in an order of priority,  are structural as weakness and low power and motivation of the private sector (0.13), weak financial support of the private sector (0.119), poor alignment of decisions and actions of responsible institutions (0.114), lack of forward-looking vision (0.105), government’s fiscal indiscipline policies (0.097), the interference and domination of quasi-government in economy (0.084), the non-competitive environment of the national economy (0.076), excessive government interference in the economy (0.068), improper formulation and implementation of laws and regulations (0.056), inefficient and unprincipled mechanisms of privatization (0.042), weakness of evaluation mechanism (0.031), inadequate mechanism of stock supply and demand (0.028), cultural weaknesses (0.02), psychological weaknesses (0.01). Moreover, sub-criteria were identified in order of priority in relevant tables. In conclusion, the incomplete, unscientific and politicized implementation of privatization in Iran has turned its advantages to disadvantageous, despite the many effort has been made.