Logo image
Back
Perspectives on the art of facilitation: A delphi study of natural resource management facilitators
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Perspectives on the art of facilitation: A delphi study of natural resource management facilitators

A. Rixon, T. F. Smith, B. McKenzie, R. Sample, P. Scott and S. Burn
Australasian journal of environmental management, Vol.14(3), pp.179-191
09/2007
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14486563.2007.10648715

Metrics

1 Record Views

Abstract

Delphi method Facilitation Natural resource management
The new regional arrangements for natural resource management (NRM) in Australia have been built upon a premise of community-based management, reflecting the increase in participatory approaches and citizen involvement within NRM. Given this increase there is still a paucity of literature regarding the field of facilitation for researchers and practitioners currently working within participatory frameworks in NRM. A Delphi survey technique was used to conduct an Australia-wide study on NRM facilitation. The study highlighted that NRM facilitators often preformed a multiplicity of potentially conflicting roles (e.g. facilitator and change agent). Many challenges were also identified by study participants, such as institutional dysfunction and overloading community volunteers. However, a number of facilitation strategies were also identified, such as stakeholder mapping and capacity audits, as a means to combat the challenges. While the facilitation challenges were framed within the context of NRM, the strategies to improve facilitation may be transferable to other sectors and applications.

Details

Logo image