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A contingency framework for environmental decision-making: Linking decisions, problems, and processes

Journal Article · · Policy Studies Review

This article explores a contingency framework for environmental decision-making. This framework suggests when environmental decision-makers will use certain decision-making processes by arguing that the process used is contingent on the type of environmental problems confronted and the attributes of the decision being made. The author examines environmental decision-making from two points. First, in the policy and organizational behavior literatures, a shortage of decision typologies exists. Thus, the article suggests a general typology of decision-making based on dichotomized categories, e.g., short-term versus long-term decisions, decisions made under certainty versus uncertainty, new versus redressed decisions. Second, the authors suggests a general classification of environmental problems and describes their characteristics. The two typologies are superimposed and predictions made for when certain decision processes will be used. By categorizing decision types and process conditions, one can suggest what processes best suit which decisions and offer suggestions for improving policy outcomes.

Research Organization:
Univ. of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA (US)
OSTI ID:
20012686
Journal Information:
Policy Studies Review, Journal Name: Policy Studies Review Journal Issue: 3-4 Vol. 16; ISSN 0278-4416; ISSN PSRWD5
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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