Formative Coorientation Research: A Tool to Assist with Environmental Decision Making
Leong K, McComas K, Decker D. 2008. Formative Coorientation Research: A Tool to Assist with Environmental Decision Making. Environmental Communication. 2(3):257-273
A growing body of research recommends interaction between managers and stakeholders to improve natural resource management decisions. While formative stakeholders research and summative evaluations of communication efforts have been well-studied, less research has included formative evaluations comparing managers and stakeholders to inform communication efforts. This study applies the communication concept of coorientation to the case of deer management on open-space lands owned by Cornell University and develops and approach to coorientation analysis for use with small decision-making teams. Mail surveys were used to assess the level of agreement and accuracy between decision makers and residents of nearby communities. Decision makers and residents varied in the topics for which they accurately predicted each other's responses; these differences have implications for approaches to communications. This study also illustrates the utility of coorientation research to reveal areas of difference within the decision-making team, as well as with the public.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Leong, Kirsten; McComas, Katherine; Decker, Daniel
- Units
- BRD , NRSS
- Keywords
- coorientation contexts, human dimensions, public participation, strategic communication, Wildlife Management