Thesis
How do decision makers in local government respond to public participation? : case study : Lismore City Council 1991-1995 (Citation and Abstract only)
Southern Cross University
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Southern Cross University
1996
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Abstract
During my four-year term of office as a local government representative, I observed, surveyed, listened to, interviewed and spoke with fellow councillors, council staff and the wider community about the issue of public participation in the decision making process. I also analysed and reflected (individually and collectively) on the ways in which decision makers respond to public participation.
I wanted to understand the processes of community consultation, their influence on the genuineness of democracy, their effectiveness and the ways in which decision makers resisted or assisted them. I wanted ultimately to find ways to facilitate the community's empowerment by providing more effective opportunities for residents to influence decision makers.
In trying to answer my own questions I initiated and experimented with some innovative methods of community consultation. I discovered that decision makers' world views and individual abilities play a large part in blocking their good intentions. Recognising and analysing my own world views and abilities was an integral part of this journey. I also found that the appropriateness of the community consultation method significantly affected the community's satisfaction and the likelihood of change occurring.
In theory, my findings advance Arnstein's model of public participation (i.e. her ladder of participation) by analysing the 'oily spots on the rungs' which impede the public's progress. The study casts further doubt on the efficacy of a representative democracy which is devoid of a strong participatory base and also tests a number of theories grounded in the participatory approach. My own role as an elected representative was the source of considerable self-reflection.
In practice my findings provide useful advice to both the community and 'heart politicians', to help pave the way for greater access to the decision making processes. New consultative tools have been field-tested and the results of these experiences may help others determine the appropriateness of various methods. The results may also alert activists and decision makers to the obstacles which might stand in the way of effective public participation.
I was a decision maker whose primary agenda was to achieve social reform. This thesis reflects that journey. With my colleagues I achieved change by studying our experience. Indeed some of the change which occurred did so because I was studying it. This critical subjectivity is often missing in the process of social change. This thesis is more than a description of those four years. By analysing the experience of myself, my colleagues and the community with whom we interacted I am convinced that my social change journey will continue.
Details
- Title
- How do decision makers in local government respond to public participation? : case study : Lismore City Council 1991-1995 (Citation and Abstract only)
- Creators
- Lyn Carson
- Contributors
- Brian Martin (Supervisor) - Southern Cross UniversityAlan Thomas Davies (Supervisor) - Southern Cross UniversityOrtrun Zuber-Skerritt (Supervisor) - Southern Cross UniversityBob Dick (Supervisor) - Southern Cross University
- Awarding Institution
- Southern Cross University; Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Theses
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Southern Cross University
- Publisher
- Southern Cross University
- Number of pages
- xvi, 278
- Identifiers
- 991012958499202368
- Copyright
- © Lyn Carson 1996
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Education; School of Education
- Resource Type
- Thesis