THE ROLE OF TRUST-BUILDING STRATEGIES IN PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: AN ANALYTICAL STUDY IN THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING

Abstract

The present study seeks to assess the extent to which trust-building strategies, as the independent variable, influence sustainable development, the dependent variable, within the Iraqi Ministry of Planning. This research is of significant importance, given the vital role of public government institutions and the central function of the Ministry of Planning in Iraqi society. The study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach, drawing on the perspectives of leadership within the Ministry, including directors, section heads, and unit managers. Data were collected from a sample of 70 respondents, representing administrative leadership within the Ministry, selected via random sampling. A questionnaire was used as the primary data collection instrument, supplemented by personal interviews. Various statistical techniques were employed, including frequency distributions, arithmetic means, weighted arithmetic means, coefficient of variation, correlation coefficients, Pearson’s coefficient, standard deviation, and simple linear regression analysis (to determine the impact or R² coefficient of determination). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 27.v and Excel 2010 to examine the relationships between variables and to test the main hypotheses of the study. The findings revealed that trust-building strategies have a significant impact on sustainable development. This suggests that the implementation of trust-building strategies by the Ministry of Planning is an effective and pivotal factor in promoting sustainable development. Consequently, the more the Ministry incorporates trust-building strategies, the more it will contribute to the successful realisation of sustainable development objectives.