Examining the Acceptance of Shared Services of Rural Municipalities in Low-Population Rural Areas "from the Perspective of Local Elites" Case Study: Eslamshahr and Robat Karim Counties

Equitable and balanced access of rural populations to public services requires the adoption of an appropriate service delivery model by local governments—one that can cover the maximum possible population in sparsely populated and dispersed areas while maintaining quality and minimizing costs. In Iran, the establishment of a point-based service delivery system has led to rural councils (dehyari) acting as local government executors, often providing services independently to villages with more than 20 households, with the quality and quantity of services varying according to each village’s size and characteristics. Against this backdrop, this study examines the acceptance of shared services by rural councils in low-population villages from the perspective of local elites in the counties of Eslamshahr and Robat Karim, aiming to explore the potential of a shared service model in enhancing efficiency and service equity. Using a qualitative approach and thematic analysis, data were collected through 30 semi-structured interviews with managers, council members, and local experts in these counties. Findings indicate that many social, economic, and infrastructural services can be delivered on a shared basis, which may enable cost savings, improved service quality, and strengthened social and economic cohesion in villages. The results also suggest that area-based service delivery can operationalize the economic functions of rural councils—an aspect previously overlooked. However, the success of shared services depends on institutional mechanisms, legal support, and the preparedness of local elites.