Structuring of Digital Media Policy through the Use of Cognitive Mapping and Soft Systems Methodology

Subject Areas : Business Management

Sara Behzadi ¹ , Ali Rajabzadeh Ghatari ² , Hassan Soltani ³ , Mohsen Jajarmizadeh ⁴ , Saeed Razeghi ⁵

1 - Ph.D. Candidate., Management and cultural planning, Fars Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Fars, Iran & Department of Management, Shiraz Branch, Islamic
2 - Prof. Faculty of Management Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran. Iran
3 - Associate Prof. Faculty of Department of Management, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran
4 - Associate Prof. Faculty of Department of Management, Payam e Noor University, Tehran, Iran
5 - Assistant Prof. Faculty of Department of Management, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran

Received: 2024-11-23 Accepted : 2025-03-01 Published : 2025-03-14

Keywords: Media, Digital Media, Media Policy, Soft Systems Methodology, Cognitive Mapping. ,

Abstract :

This paper seeks to analyze and contrast governmental policies about digital media from the past decade to establish an appropriate framework for future policymaking. This study has assessed digital media policymaking through the application of soft systems approach and cognitive mapping as analytical instruments. This method provides a thorough framework for evaluating policy performance in this domain, highlighting its advantages and disadvantages. The requisite data for constructing the research's conceptual model were obtained via a systematic evaluation of prior studies and comprehensive interviews with experts and specialists in the domain of digital media. This study's originality is in the amalgamation of theoretical insights with operational instruments, enhancing the transparency and efficacy of governing in digital media. The results demonstrate that diverse stakeholders, such as the government, business enterprises, media advocates, and the general populace, assume distinct roles in the digital media policymaking process. Effective engagement with these groups is deemed a crucial element in developing successful policy. The research findings indicated that optimal policymaking in digital media necessitates major reforms in three primary domains: technology and infrastructure, content, and legal aspects. The advancement of new technologies and the enhancement of digital infrastructure immediately influence content generation and dissemination, offering a broader array of tools for content creators. Consequently, it is imperative to establish a holistic and coordinated strategy that encompasses all technological, content, and legal aspects for effective policymaking in this domain.