ذبیح الله ترابی

Purpose- This research aims to provide a comprehensive and systematic review of the knowledge structure and dominant trends in the literature concerning pro-environmental tourist behavior within rural tourism studies. The study seeks to identify research gaps and map the intellectual landscape of the field for future researchers. Methodology- This study employs a scientometric approach, combining systematic review and bibliometric analysis. A total of 1,020 eligible articles published between 1985 and 2024 were identified through the Scopus database and analyzed using VOSviewer software. Co-authorship, co-citation, and keyword co-occurrence networks were used to analyze the knowledge structure. Findings- The results reveal that China, the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and South Korea have the highest publication output in this field. Linnaeus University (Sweden), Sejong University (South Korea), and Lund University (Sweden) are among the most influential institutions. Keyword analysis identified three primary clusters: ecotourism, ecosystem and environmental protection, and tourism economy and market. According to the Theory of Planned Behavior, factors such as attitude, subjective and social norms, perceived behavioral control, and environmental awareness are the most significant predictors of tourists' pro-environmental behavior. Practical Implications- The findings provide valuable insights for destination managers and policymakers in developing effective strategies for sustainable tourism management. The results can serve as a basis for designing behavioral interventions and formulating evidence-based policies to promote responsible behaviors among tourists in rural destinations. Originality/Value- This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing a comprehensive and dynamic map of the knowledge structure and prevailing trends in pro-environmental behavior in rural tourism. By filling the gaps of previous studies, this research identifies novel research opportunities for future scholars.

Purpose- This research examines the impact of social factors on the sustainability and success of rural entrepreneurship in the eastern border of Zayandeh River, Isfahan, Iran. Design/methodology/approach- Using a qualitative grounded theory approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 40 key stakeholders, including rural entrepreneurs, local managers, agricultural jihad managers and experts, entrepreneurship experts, and rural development specialists. MAXQDA software was used for data analysis. Findings- The findings of this research show that trust, support, social participation and teamwork are very important for the success and sustainability of rural entrepreneurship. Mutual trust between entrepreneurs and communities, active participation in economic initiatives and joint efforts, increases innovation, productivity and adaptability in rural businesses. In addition, cultural norms and local power dynamics significantly influence entrepreneurial behaviors. Practical implications- Policymakers should prioritize strengthening local financial institutions, fostering entrepreneurial culture, and adopting participatory methods for designing and implementing entrepreneurship programs. These measures can help to increase the economic capabilities of rural communities. Creating equal opportunities for all members of society and rebuilding trust between rural communities and government institutions is necessary and mandatory. This trust can lead to improved collaborations and effective partnerships. Also, strategies to remove the cultural barriers of entrepreneurship are also necessary to create a suitable environment for innovation and growth and to encourage more people to engage in entrepreneurial activities. Originality/value- This study contributes to the existing literature by providing an integrated conceptual model of social factors affecting the sustainability of rural entrepreneurship. It enhances understanding of the social dynamics that shape entrepreneurial ecosystems in rural areas, particularly areas facing environmental and economic challenges. The obtained insights can provide effective policies and interventions aimed at promoting sustainable rural entrepreneurship in similar contexts. 

Purpose- This study elucidates the profound impact of power struggles on rural management and the multifaceted challenges confronting rural municipalities (RMs) in Iran. The concept of rural mismanagement, initially proposed to decentralize power and reduce government control, has been a pivotal theme in Iranian rural development literature. Over the past 23 years, tensions between mismanagement and the government have intensified, culminating in an escalation of power struggles among rural stakeholders. This research enriches the existing literature by offering novel insights into the common obstacles faced by rural mismanagement in developing countries. Design/methodology/approach- The study employed qualitative thematic analysis to examine the challenges faced by RMs. Snowball sampling was utilized to identify informed respondents. Through qualitative interviews with 60 local administrators, rural management experts, government officials, and residents, we identified that villages with fewer than 20 households are not recognized as villages and lack RMs, resulting in adverse social and economic consequences. For thematic analysis, interview data were analyzed using the immersion technique and the MAXQDA text analysis program to uncover underlying meanings, structures, themes, and patterns.  Findings- This research underscores the challenges facing rural management in Iran and the necessity to expand its functional areas and activities beyond rural boundaries. The findings reveal that RMs are constrained in their responsibilities, limiting their capacity to effectively address organizational concerns. Moreover, distrust in the government undermines the ability of RMs to address community issues, despite their expectations. The research highlights the difficulties RMs encounter in countries with centralized and hierarchical governance structures. The application of the research results underscores the importance of empowering local management, facilitating participation, and institutionalizing processes to address fragmented policymaking and conflicts of interest in rural management. This approach aligns with broader challenges in Iranian rural development, including weak management structures and lack of coordinated programs, which hinder sustainable development.