Understanding participant perspectives: Q-methodology in national forest management

Toddi A. Steelman and Lynn A. Maguire
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Toddi A. Steelman: Graduate School of Public Affairs, University of Colorado, Denver, Postal: Graduate School of Public Affairs, University of Colorado, Denver
Lynn A. Maguire: Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Postal: Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University

Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, 1999, vol. 18, issue 3, 361-388

Abstract: Many policy practitioners and theorists have argued that value-free, objective solutions to policy problems do not exist. While participant values and subjective viewpoints influence policy problems, empirically determining participant perspectives and preferences has been a daunting task. This paper demonstrates how Q-methodology, a technique for systematically revealing subjective perspectives, can contribute to better problem identification and definition; estimation and specification of policy option; and selection, implementation, and evaluation of policies. Two case studies in national forest management are reviewed and demonstrate how Q-methodology can (1) identify important internal and external constituencies, (2) define participant viewpoints and perceptions, (3) provide sharper insight into participant-preferred management directions, (4) identify criteria that are important to participants, (5) explicitly outline areas of consensus and conflict, and (6) develop a common view toward the policy. © 1999 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.

Date: 1999
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:wly:jpamgt:v:18:y:1999:i:3:p:361-388

DOI: 10.1002/(SICI)1520-6688(199922)18:3<361::AID-PAM3>3.0.CO;2-K

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