Environmental dispute resolution and organizational incentives: An examination of the U.S. Forest Service's adoption of environmental dispute resolution approaches.

TL;DRAbstract

The objective of this study was to further our understanding of the institutionalization of environmental dispute resolution ("EDR") in public resource agencies by (1) examining key organizationally-based interests and incentives associated with the U.S. Forest Service's ongoing adoption of EDR to resolve disputes, and (2) analyzing the complexity of potentially incongruous organizational and individual interests and incentives to employ EDR. Using the grounded theory method of qualitative research, comparison cases and individual informants from all levels in the agency were selected through theoretical sampling. The data show that the Forest Service's organizational core technology and autonomy have been protected in EDR processes. Although the agency is having to more realistically define its interests, it has not had to significantly modify existing program levels in negotiations. Organizational autonomy has been protected in that the agency has maintained its jurisdiction over for

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