The use of information by environmental planners: A qualitative study using Grounded Theory methodology

The purpose of this study was to examine the use of information by environmental planners. The study used the Grounded Theory method to develop a theoretical model that explains the reasons for using information and the factors that motivate such use. Forty-four semi-structured interviews were conducted in workplace environments to collect data on the way the respondents used information in projects that they had done before. Data were analysed in accordance with the Grounded Theory techniques of constant comparison. The study found that the planner’s perceptions of: their own competences, resistance of the stakeholders, role requirement; and the impressions on the enabling effect of the information environment drive the self-empowerment behaviour of the planners. This behaviour is characterised by actions involving information acquisition, packaging as well as giving information to stakeholders during the facilitation of the environmental planning process. The experiential knowledge levels of individuals enhance the self-empowerment behaviour exhibited by environmental planners. Based on the informational power derived from the self-empowerment activities, the planners select a strategy for participation that they deem appropriate for an environmental planning project, consequently facilitating the process to develop widely accepted environmental plans.