Measurement of the Modernization of Rural Governance Capacity: A Systematic Perspective

The modernization of rural governance capacity (MRGC) is an important factor in enhancing the effectiveness of governance and promoting sustainable rural development. By interpreting the connotation of the MRGC, this study analyzes the dual structure of the rural organization system and its internal correlation based on the principle of system theory. The evaluation framework of the MRGC is constructed from the two dimensions of subject governance capacity (SGC) and inter-subject interaction force (IIF). Furthermore, an empirical study utilizing survey data from 15 towns, 248 villages, and 2579 villagers in Kang County, Gansu Province, China is conducted. The results show that Kang County’s overall MRGC, along with sub-dimensional SGC and IIF, remains at a moderate level. SGC manifests as balanced high performance and differentiated low performance. IIF variation is primarily driven by capability volatility. Regional analysis indicates that resource-rich areas exhibit higher SGC but carry greater systemic imbalance risks. Combined weights effectively rectify single-method biases in measurement design.