Analysis of the perceived degree of success of reform efforts: reform agents’ perceptions

In this article, the perceptions of reform agents regarding the degree of success of different aspects of the reform program during the period of the Iranian second five‐year plan (1995‐2000), by using a questionnaire, is analyzed. To supplement the findings of the questionnaire, the responses of the subjects of the interviews are subject to content analysis. Comparison of the findings of the adopted survey instruments is used to achieve to a conclusion on the extent of success of the reform program. Although the overall results indicate that the reform program was not perceived as having been as successful as expected, however, a minority of the interviewees (25 percent) argued that the program was successful at a reasonable level. Lack of participation of key groups in design and implementation of the program, inconsistency between the reform objectives and the missions of line organizations, diversity of reform agencies, and lack of enthusiasm and commitment of middle and top level managers were among the perceived barriers to success of reform program.