Application of Q-​methodology for identifying factors of acceptance of spatial planning instruments

In their research, which was conducted as part of the SNSF-​funded Polisol project (NRP 68), they used Q-​methodology to assess factors that influence the acceptance or rejection of spatial planning instruments as a basis for developing new policy instruments to protect soil resources. Using an online survey and interviews, they identified different social perspectives and their respective patterns of argumentation.

The results show that the effect on people, institutional embeddedness, trust in the acting institutions, and the general understanding of the instrument are the most important factors for the acceptance of policy instruments to promote the sustainable use of soil resources. Since the emergence of acceptance is a complex process and there is no universal way to influence it, their findings offer potential benefits, especially for policy-makers. For example, based on the results, communication strategies in the policy-​making process can be improved and tailored to the identified characteristics of the social perspectives.

Read the full article in the Journal of Environmental Planning and Management here:


DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09640568.2022.2043259