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This study investigated the role of pre-deliberation leading to a group consensus-based decision in government planning. Six people from local municipalities in Skagit County participated in a 5-question in-person interview study process with qualitative measures. Existing literature on consensus decision making and informal pre-meeting discussions, identified in the study as pre-deliberation, is limited. The researcher was concerned with understanding elements from communication theory that support a communication process leading to group decisions in a recent government planning project. Therefore, five variables were measured in this study: needs and concerns, understanding the positions of others, facilitating group decisions, accountability, and successful partnerships. In analyzing the empirical data, the researcher found evidence to support the notion that pre-meeting discussions improve decision making. Future research may further address gender and age implications, and the role or impact of open meeting laws in government planning.
Advisor: | Shlossberg, Pavel, Haught, Lunell |
Commitee: | |
School: | Gonzaga University |
Department: | Communication and Leadership |
School Location: | United States -- Washington |
Source: | MAI 56/01M(E), Masters Abstracts International |
Source Type: | DISSERTATION |
Subjects: | Behavioral psychology, Social psychology, Communication |
Keywords: | Consensus, Decision making, Political communication |
Publication Number: | 10162503 |
ISBN: | 978-1-369-17292-8 |