Cooperative discourse is a combination of elements of >> mediation, of the >> Delphi survey and of the >> citizen juries aimed at solving planning assignments.

Suitable

 

• for very complex decision processes
• for use with regional planning issues where latent or open conflicts exist

Sequence of events

The first step is to draw up a catalogue of criteria for assessing various planning options; here a mediator works with representatives of the interest groups affected. In step two experts analyse the likely effects of the various planning options in a Delphi survey. In the third and final step citizens selected at random evaluate the options in a citizen jury, with the aid of the catalogue of criteria and the experts’ analyses. The outcome of cooperative discourse is a recommendation to the politicians (decision-makers).

Participants

Representatives of interest groups, experts, citizens selected at random

Point to note

 

• Combining elements from three participation processes helps to compensate weaknesses in each of these – but this also makes cooperative discourse more demanding in terms of time and energy.