Strategic perspectives analysis: A procedure for participatory and political social impact assessment

Abstract

Recent developments in planning and social impact assessment (SIA) theory have traveled parallel paths. Both fields have moved away from centralized, purportedly apolitical modes of decision making and are moving toward enhanced participation of parties affected by resource development. Some writers now view SIA and planning as essentially sociopolitical processes that should facilitate bargaining and negotiation among interest groups within the constraints of the law and government administration. Strategic perspectives analysis has been designed as a flexible procedure that can be used to conduct both participatory and political applications of SIA. In a progression from position analysis techniques, the method uses strategic planning principles to elicit the vision, objectives, and strategies of each party. It then facilitates the articulation of their interests with the planning process through more effective bargaining and negotiation.