Forester

Question 1

What type of planning did Forester propose?

Answer 1

Communicative action planning

Question 2

Explain communicative action planning

Answer 2

Plans should be developed in communication with stakeholders - giving weight to non-linear storytelling and emotions in addition to empirical facts, instead of the following of rational and positivist planning models based on scientific or engineering rationality.

Question 3

What should planners consider according to Forester?

Answer 3

• They need to go out and confront the competing interests and conflicting ideas. They need to combine professional expertise to practical skills for conflict management among stakeholders.
• They should be aware of their power and the limits of it, and be sensitive to and understand the interests of the different actors involved. Empathy and communication are essential.

Question 4

Which six strategies to mediate land-use conflict does Forester identify?

Answer 4

• Planner as regulator
• (Pre-)mediate and negotiate - representing concerns
• Planner as a resource
• Shuttle diplomacy
• Active and interested mediation
• Split the job

Question 5

Planner as regulator

Answer 5

the planner in the traditional role as technician and bureaucrat. The planner checks the facts and potential consequences to base design, permits, variances, etc. on. The planner processes information while another person takes the responsibility.

Question 6

(Pre-)mediate and negotiate

Answer 6

the planner anticipates the concerns of both sides and recommends accordingly to search for an acceptable compromise. Premediating, rather than mediating after the fact. Do more before conflict arises.

Question 7

The planner as a resource

Answer 7

let developers and residents meet directly:

• To prevent residents to think it’s a simple yes or no and resist (radically).
• If through these meetings something comes out that the neighbours are okay with, it will be easier to get it approved later.
• A more informal setting for the meeting gets the ideas/plans across much better than in the more formal hearings.

Question 8

Shuttle diplomacy

Answer 8

the planner probes and advises both sides. Shuttle between both sides forwarding the others’ ideas with them and hereby bring them closer bit by bit. Instead of being caught in the middle when both sides are present at a meeting.

Question 9

Active and interested mediation

Answer 9

consider the emotion and person with care, as much as the contents of their arguments. Emotion and substance are interwoven.

Question 10

Split the job - you mediate, I’ll negotiate

Answer 10

get a specialized/professional person to manage the process, particularly in cases where the planner retains a substantive interest in one of the sides. Best would be an informal, most likely volunteer, mediator.

Question 11

Why is there a tension between the mediator and negotiator role?

Answer 11

The negotiator may work to achieve the ambitions of a certain side or sides and therefore threatens the neutrality of the mediator. Second, should the negotiator represent (or protect) the interests of a less powerful side, the mediator - remaining neutral - may leave the existing inequalities intact.

Question 12

What are three reasons why it may not be good to get all the involved parties together around the table?

Answer 12

• Although developers’ interests are clear and planners know what to expect from them, neighbourhood residents may be less likely to treat planners as potential allies.
• Planners and developers share a common professional language, but residents/citizens do not. They need to be taught or made understood first, before issues can be discussed.
• Developers also speak with one voice, while residents do not.