Tehran Volunteers’ Participation Model for Urban Disaster Management: A Grounded Theory Approach

Background: Tehran, the capital of Iran, is one of the most hazard-prone cities in the world, facing a complex array of disaster risks.Managers need well-defined theories and models to mobilize and utilize their staff and volunteer resources effectively.We aimed to develop a substantive theory to explain the process of volunteer participation in disaster risk management in Tehran. Materials and Methods:We employed a grounded theory approach as recommended by Corbin and Strauss (2014), conducting semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 23 experts and residents of Tehran from December 2023 to February 2024.Constant comparative analysis was performed alongside data collection.The data were analyzed to extract codes, which were then integrated to identify concepts, categories and subcategories, leading to the developing of a related theory. Results:The analysis revealed four main themes: The need for volunteer participation planning, influencing factors, volunteer organization, and the nature of volunteer participation.These themes emerged from 11 categories, 32 subcategories and 438 initial codes.Tehran's vulnerabilities, limited staff and existing volunteer capacities underscore the necessity for effective planning.The primary influencing factors include participation requirements and individual characteristics. Conclusion:Managing known volunteers, one-time volunteers, online volunteers and Non Governmental Organization (NGO) volunteers is crucial.Central to the proposed model are cultivation, planning, recruitment, organization, and education, all of which contribute to the effective deployment of volunteers.Proper planning and clear communication with beneficiaries based on key influencing factors are essential for successful implementation.Additionally, leveraging virtual spaces and media can enhance risk communication.