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Participatory Processes

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Wicked Environmental Problems

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Abstract

The goal of this chapter is to both review the best practices of participatory processes and outline an approach that provides sufficient and appropriate participation within the context of wicked environmental problems. It is now part of the received wisdom that public participation is essential in managing complex environmental problems. Such participation is both intended to elicit (at least implicitly) broadly held public values relevant to the management decision at hand, and to incorporate those values into the final decision. However, because typical participatory processes generally fall victim to shortcomings that limit their utility in dealing with wicked problems, decision makers are often frustrated with, and question, the ultimate benefits of public participation.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA

    Peter J. Balint

  2. Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA

    Ronald E. Stewart

  3. Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA

    Anand Desai

  4. Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA

    Lawrence C. Walters

Authors
  1. Peter J. Balint
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  2. Ronald E. Stewart
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  3. Anand Desai
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  4. Lawrence C. Walters
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Correspondence to Peter J. Balint .

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© 2011 Island Press

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Balint, P.J., Stewart, R.E., Desai, A., Walters, L.C. (2011). Participatory Processes. In: Wicked Environmental Problems. Island Press, Washington, DC. https://doi.org/10.5822/978-1-61091-047-7_6

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