Preferences and perceptions of urban decision-making groups: Congruence or conflict?

Abstract

Murphy P. E. (1978) Preferences and perceptions urban decision-making groups: congruence or conflict? Reg. Studies 12, 749–759. Studies of decision-maker preference structures have focused on the differences between groups with little attention being given to the areas of congruence which may also exist. This paper reports on a simulation experiment that utilized a three-dimensional model and a psychospecialization test to assess the preference patterns of five urban decision-making groups with respect to a specific planning task. The methodology provided an effective and simple framework to elicit preference and belief structures, and the results identified the existence of both conflict and congruence. It is suggested that such tests may facilitate the decision-making process by pointing the way to potential trade-offs for the groups involved.