political science

Initatediscussion

Specify roles andresponsibilites ofthe convenor

,

facilitator

,

representatives(includingalternates), andexpert advisors

Strive fortransparency

Seek unanimityon a package ofgains

Seek ratificationby constituencies

Present approvedproposal to thosewith the formalauthority andresponsiblity to act

Provide for on-going monitoringof implementaion

Provide foradapationto changingcircumstances

Specifycontingentcommitments, ifappropriate

Adhere toagreed upondecision-makingprocedures

Keep a writtenrecord of thecommittmentsmade by theparticpants

Seek expert inputinto joint fact finding

Seek to maximizejoint gains throughcollaborativeproblem solving

Use the help of aprofessional neutral

Separate inventingfrom committiingUse a single textprocedure

Prepare an issueassessment

Use the assessmentto identify appropriatestakeholderrepresentatives

Finalize commitmentsto consult or involveappropriate stakeholderrepresentativesDecide whether tocommit to a consnsusbuilding process

Set agendaand groundrules

Assessoptions forcommunicatingwith the groupsrepresentedas well as thecommunity-at-large

Set rules for theinvolvement ofobservers

Make sure those inpositions of authorityagree to the process

CONVENE

CLARIFYRESPONSIBILITIES

DELIBERATE

DECIDE

IMPLEMENTAGREEMENTS

Fig. 13.2. Consensus building: essential steps

Source: Susskind, Mckearnan, and Thomas Lamar 1999.

arguing, bargaining, and getting agreement 287