Testing the Influence of Tactics on an Intention to Participate in an Environmental Management Collaborative.

Abstract

Complexity, uncertainty, and conflict characterize contemporary environmental challenges. Addressing these issues is beyond the purview of any one actor. A collaborative approach to environmental management is required; participation in collaboration is needed. However, participation in collaborative environmental management is a persistent challenge in practice. This research examines tactics used to engender participation in collaborations. Tactics constitute a strategy for communications with an intended goal and encompass the framing (i.e., wording, imagery) and platform of dissemination. This research examined the influence of tactics on an intention to participate in an environmental management collaboration. Eight tactics were empirically tested on 300 individuals aged 18-29. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was undertaken. Results uncovered the effectiveness of contextual and personal framings in engendering participation and deepened the understanding about past participation, tactics, and an individual's intention to participate. Opportunities to engender participation in collaborations using tactics are abundant. The research emphasizes the need for greater attention to tactics in environmental management and contributes to a greater understanding of tactics, identifying effective practices for engendering participation and broad dissemination.