Communicative Aspects of Environmental Management by Objectives: Examples from the Swedish Context

Abstract

Management by objectives (MBO) is a technique for integrating ecological concerns into national political and administrative structures. Politicians determine environmental objectives and interim targets to be implemented and assessed by civil servants in national, regional, and local contexts. Well-developed organizational communication is a prerequisite for MBO. However, communication-related obstacles can arise when using MBO in public environmental management. We examine communicative aspects of environmental MBO, looking specifically at the implementation, administration, and assessment of Swedish environmental quality objectives. Our argument is illustrated by quotations from individual and focus group interviews. We conclude that communicative problems may arise, because different actors interpret messages from different perspectives, depending on their agendas, prior knowledge and experience, and positions in the administrative system. It is crucial to recognize the dialogic aspects of communication, by involving the receiver of a message in a process of response. In addition, the different time frames underlying different arguments could contribute to misunderstandings between actors involved in handling environmental issues. In assessing the achievement of environmental objectives, indicators are used as communicative tools. It is important to investigate whether and how these indicators contribute to the de- and recontextualization of environmental objectives.

On Prerequisites for the Application of Sustainable Development Indicators in Urban Water Management

“…A precondition for a shared vision of sustainable development appears to be clear communication between the actors involved. Similar findings were made by Wibeck et al [9] in a study of management by objectives in Sweden. Clear communication is facilitated by trust which, in a reciprocal process, can in turn be cultivated by good communication.…”

How supportive are existing national legal regimes for multi-use marine spatial planning?—The South African case

“…(ii) Multi-use MSP reflects strongly objectives-based management [5,24], a concept that was introduced to environmental management with the aim of integrating ecological concerns with political structures and governance processes. Stakeholders determine a common vision and objectives considering environmental, economic and social aspects which are then implemented and assessed by civil servants in national, regional, and local contexts [25,26]. Nevertheless while the ecosystem defines the boundaries of the management unit, planning and management focuses on human activities within the unit, not on the ecosystem or components thereof [5].…”

Communicative challenges in assessing progress towards environmental quality objectives

“…However, indicators are powerful communicative tools, highlighting those aspects of an environmental objective where actions will be taken [41,42]. Thus, I argue that it is also important to evaluate environmental indicators on the basis of their communicative potential.…”