The evaluation of the effects of public involvement on natural resources planning and decision-making
Abstract
This study examines how social, political and economic factors contribute to change in bureaucratic behaviors. Specifically, it examines the role of public participation in natural resources decision making. Theoretical bases of public participation (power relationship, social values and organizational approach) are related to organizational theories (closed versus open systems) to develop hypotheses about the effects of public participation on final environmental impact statements (EIS). Seventy-eight EIS's from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Forest Service and Federal Highway Administration are examined. The findings support public participation having an impact on agencies' environmental decisions. Nevertheless, the overall findings also show the reluctance of planning officials to share power with citizens. Prior litigation against the agency is also found to have an indirect effect on agency's behavior. In addition, the data also indicate that the general public have changed their views to a more homogeneous and new environmentally oriented views for forest management. Several limitations and directions for future research are presented.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Potter, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Demographics|Social research|Sociology|Environmental science
Off-Campus Purdue Users:
To access this dissertation, please log in to our
proxy server.