Strategic Prioritization of Agile Governance Capabilities for Digital Transformation: An Analytical Model Based on Quality Function Deployment (QFD)

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Management and Economics, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Management and Econmics, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

3 Department of Technology Management, Qom Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran

Abstract

Background and purpose: The rapid growth of digital transformation and the increasing need for accountability and flexibility in the public sector have revealed the inefficiency of traditional governance paradigms and highlighted the necessity of moving towards agile governance. In Iran, despite strategic documents emphasizing agility and the realization of a smart government, developing a native and operational model for prioritizing agile governance capabilities aligned with the requirements of digital transformation seems essential. The present study aims to identify and strategically prioritize agile governance capabilities to support digital transformation in the Iranian public sector.

Methodology: This study is applied in purpose and employs an exploratory-applied mixed-methods research design. Initially, through literature review and gathering expert opinions using the Fuzzy Delphi method, 19 agile governance components and 8 digital transformation components were identified and confirmed. Subsequently, the relationships between these agile governance components and digital transformation requirements were analyzed and prioritized using the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) method.

Findings: The key finding is the presentation of an analytical and ranked model of agile governance capabilities. Results indicated that foundational and human-centric capabilities, including competent, stable, and transformational leadership; skilled, adaptable, and innovative human resources; feedback mechanisms; empowered and self organizing teams; and a culture of change acceptance held the highest priority in fulfilling digital transformation requirements.

Conclusion: By identifying agile governance components and determining their priorities, this study provides an analytical model that can assist managers and policymakers in designing agile governance roadmaps and optimally allocating resources for the digital transformation journey.
Governance and Development

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 17 December 2025

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