Dubnick, Melvin Jay. “The Planner’s Image: The Impact of Expertise on Development Planning and Policymaking.” Doctoral Dissertation, University of Colorado – Boulder, 1974.
Abstract (revised):
The purpose of this work is to develop a concept useful for analyzing the impact of a planner’s perception on Third World development planning successes. Borrowing extensively from Kenneth Boulding’s work, the Image concept is developed and used as a basis for the analysis.
In Chapter I, the failure of Third World development planning is discussed, along with some of the causes attributed to it. One such cause is found in the perceptions and orientations of the planning expert. That this causal factor has not been frequently and systematically investigated probably results from the lack of a sufficient framework for conceptualizing the subject matter. It is for this purpose that the Image concept is used.
In the first section of Chapter II, the Image concept is presented to the reader as a control apparatus within the general system that can be analyzed in terms of its content, structure and strength. The research design used for analyzing these aspects of the planner’s image are offered in section two of Chapter II.
The specific application of this design is made in Chapters III, IV, and V. The planner’s Image content is explored in Chapter III through the use of a thematic content analysis of portions of national development plans, a secondary analysis of a study involving interviews with 30
professional planners, and a brief review of the literature on development planning, which is relevant here. The examination of the planner’s Image structure in Chapter IV is accomplished through a literature review of the economic theories that predominate in Third World development planning.
Finally, in Chapter V, the Image’s strength is analyzed through measures of association and speculative discussions vis-à-vis
the causes of high strength measures for relevant factors.
The results of this analysis indicated:
(1) a strong Image content bias among planners stressing the economic sector as a means for planning, relying on the Gesellschaft model of society as a desired goal for development planners, and an orientation which emphasized the need to change current societal and cultural configurations rather than maintain them;
(2) an Image construct based on a closed logic which does not facilitate consideration of new and perhaps relevant environmental factors; and
(3) an Image strength that gives more weight to irrelevant than to relevant variables in the planner’s surroundings.
All these tendencies increase the likelihood of an Image that is inflexible and therefore less likely to adapt to the needs of the subject society. Planning failure might result from such Image inflexibility.
The possibility of changing the planner’s Image is discussed in Chapter VI. There are alternative Image configurations. The problem is to select the best agent of change to adjust the current Image. The ‘profession” as a change agent is examined using various propositions of culture change to describe what must be done to orient the profession in this direction.
AI-Generated Summary:
This document analyzes the impact of planners’ perceptions, called “images,” on development planning success and failure in the Third World.
Overview of the Document
The text explores how planners’ perceptions influence development policy effectiveness, focusing on content, structure, and change of their “images.”
The Concept of Planners’ “Image”
- The “image” refers to the subjective perception of development and societal change held by planners.
- It encompasses content, structure, and strength, which shape how planners interpret their environment.
- The image influences decision-making, policy formulation, and implementation in development planning.
- Inflexibility of the image leads to planning failures, especially in the Third World context.
Content Bias and Its Impact
- Content bias occurs when planners hold stereotyped views, emphasizing certain themes like economic growth.
- Analysis shows a dominance of economic and Gesellschaft-oriented themes, with little regard for societal or cultural specifics.
- Bias reduces the ability to perceive relevant environmental factors, limiting adaptive planning.
- High content bias correlates with decreased flexibility and increased inflexibility in planning.
Structure of the “Image” and Its Role
- The internal logic or structure of the image determines how environmental messages are perceived.
- Closed structures resist change, reinforcing biases and reducing adaptability.
- Open structures allow for diverse messages, increasing flexibility and responsiveness.
- The structure’s strength influences the capacity to perceive and respond to relevant factors.
The Role of “Image” Strength
- “Image” strength is the protective screen that filters environmental messages.
- High strength filters out relevant information, leading to inflexibility.
- Dispersal of strength across relevant points enhances adaptability.
- Managing “image” strength is crucial for increasing planning flexibility.
Historical Roots and Sociocultural Influences
- The modern “image” stems from Western economic and social thought, emphasizing material progress.
- The rise of economic rationality and capitalism shaped perceptions of development.
- Historical sociological trends, like modernization and industrialization, reinforced current “images.”
- These roots contribute to the stereotyped and inflexible perceptions in planning.
Sociocultural Change and “Image” Modification
- Change in “image” requires altering content, structure, and strength through socialization.
- External influences like policymakers and beneficiaries can act as change agents.
- Internal factors include professional norms, power dispersion, and organizational dynamics.
- Effective change involves increasing openness and reducing biases within the professional system.
Strategies for Changing “Image”
- Introducing new messages that challenge biases can foster flexibility.
- Using external sources like policymakers or beneficiaries may influence perceptions.
- Internal change involves modifying professional norms, power structures, and organizational culture.
- Combining external and internal approaches enhances the likelihood of successful “image” transformation.
Implications for Development Planning
- A more flexible “image” allows planners to perceive relevant environmental factors better.
- Increasing “image” adaptability can reduce planning failures in the Third World.
- Recognizing the sociocultural roots of perceptions helps in designing effective change strategies.
- The process of “image” change is complex, requiring careful manipulation of content, structure, and strength.
Author’s Note:
My initial idea for a dissertation topic was the political thought of Lewis Mumford, but a deep dive into his work on city planning and the history of ideas — and their impact on cultural development — led me down a very different path. Courses in comparative political systems, development and Parsonsian theory also diverted me from the original focus on Mumford. I was especially struck by the potential value of Boulding’s concept of “The Image” in explaining planning failure. With fifty years of hindsight, the basic ideas in this dissertation remain interesting, as does the general approach. The execution of the study, however, would not “pass muster” with “Professor” Dubnick, given the standards I have developed over the years and the extensive literature on professionalism, expertise, and development planning. I would also require the author to do a good deal more editing….