objective/meaning Rural governance is evolving toward a “single core, multiple actors” model, with new rural talents emerging as a vital force in advancing rural development. Addressing the lack of attention in existing research to the specific factors influencing the governance participation of new rural talents in ethnic minority regions, this study examines the key factors affecting their participation in governance, with the aim of promoting good rural governance.

Methods/Procedures Based on group dynamics theory, this study employs structural equation modeling to conduct an empirical analysis using 432 survey responses collected in Ping’an District, Haidong City, Qinghai Province.

Results/Conclusions The findings reveal that all four elements of group dynamics—group structure, group atmosphere, group norms, and group cohesion—exert a positive influence on participation outcomes. Partial mediating effects were observed in all four pathways: “group structure → participation behavior → participation outcomes,” “ group atmosphere → participation behavior → participation outcomes,” “group norms → participation behavior → participation outcomes,” and “group cohesion → participation behavior → participation outcomes.” Accordingly, relevant policies should be formulated, and measures such as strengthening organizational development and fostering a favorable governance environment should be implemented to enhance the effectiveness of new rural talents’ participation in rural public governance and promote rural development in ethnic regions.