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A Systematic Review of Factors Contributing to Ineffective Cultural Heritage Management

Author

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  • Fatma Seila

    (School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Urbanism Research Group, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9LG, UK)

  • Gehan Selim

    (School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Urbanism Research Group, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9LG, UK)

  • May Newisar

    (School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Urbanism Research Group, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9LG, UK)

Abstract

Ineffective management increasingly threatens cultural heritage conservation, resulting in the mismanagement of tangible heritage assets and reducing the efficacy of conservation efforts. Although much of the literature examines the relationship between heritage management, tourism, and economic development, a notable gap exists in comprehending the interrelated elements that undermine the efficacy of conservation initiatives. This paper argues that administrative, financial, legal, and stakeholder-related factors are intricately connected in causing ineffective heritage management. These factors must be examined in interrelation to improve cultural heritage conservation efforts. A systematic review of the academic and grey literature on conserving tangible cultural assets is carried out to contribute to this goal. This literature review identifies 29 factors that contribute to the inefficacy of cultural heritage management plans. These factors are classified into several categories, including administrative institutions, stakeholders, financial resources, natural and human risks, laws and legislation, and political issues. This study presents a theoretical framework that connects governments, stakeholders, legislation, and administrative performance as crucial components in the success of heritage management. It highlights the need for transparent procedures for the successful implementation of heritage management strategies. The findings contribute to assessing cultural heritage management plans and propose directions for further research, including addressing local heritage concerns and methods to enhance the management performance. By identifying key factors that impede effective management, this paper contributes to the broader sustainability challenges of preserving cultural heritage while promoting social and economic stability. Enhanced heritage management practices can significantly contribute to the development of inclusive and sustainable communities.

Suggested Citation

  • Fatma Seila & Gehan Selim & May Newisar, 2025. "A Systematic Review of Factors Contributing to Ineffective Cultural Heritage Management," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-26, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:1:p:366-:d:1561193
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Louis J. Durrant & Atish N. Vadher & Mirza Sarač & Duygu Başoğlu & Jacques Teller, 2022. "Using Organigraphs to Map Disaster Risk Management Governance in the Field of Cultural Heritage," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-12, January.
    2. Nees Jan Eck & Ludo Waltman, 2010. "Software survey: VOSviewer, a computer program for bibliometric mapping," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 84(2), pages 523-538, August.
    3. Marian R. Chertow & Koichi S. Kanaoka & Jooyoung Park, 2021. "Tracking the diffusion of industrial symbiosis scholarship using bibliometrics: Comparing across Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 25(4), pages 913-931, August.
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    2. Marcello Ádamis Andrade & Risete Maria Queiroz Leão Braga & Antônio de Noronha Tavares & Rui Cunha Marques, 2025. "The Use of Indicators in the Regulation of Municipal Solid Waste Management: A Bibliometric Analysis (2004–2024)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-19, February.

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