Psychological Dynamics and Institutional Frameworks in Cross-Level Governance of Village Cadres: Insights for Rural Revitalization and Sports Psychology

Abstract

In the context of China's national "rural revitalization" strategy, the adoption of cross-level governance models involving township and village cadres has become a key approach to strengthening grassroots governance. Using the "scenario process" analysis framework, this study examines the evolving roles and mechanisms of village-based cadres. It focuses on the replacement of traditional local elites by village cadres, the historical development of the village cadre system, and the operational logic of grassroots administrative departments. The findings reveal that the integration of external leadership, effective titles, and the internal implementation of policies by the "first secretary" in villages has contributed to the continuous development of national, local, and grassroots governance. These mechanisms facilitate the alignment of policy execution across governance levels, enhancing coordination and efficiency in rural governance. This study provides valuable insights into the institutional operations of cross-level governance, offering practical guidance for improving the effectiveness of grassroots governance in rural revitalization efforts. Additionally, it enriches the theoretical understanding of cross-level governance mechanisms, shedding light on the psychological and social dynamics that influence leadership, collaboration, and community engagement. These findings also offer implications for sports psychology by exploring how governance frameworks can inform leadership training and collective motivation in team and community contexts.