Obstacles in Launching a Participatory Group Discussion and Modelling Process

The combination of model-building and group discussions seems to be a promising approach to support learning processes among stakeholders involved in management problems since it allows combining factual analysis and qualitative and quantitative model simulations with an analysis of subjective perceptions and mental models. However, the step of launching such a participatory process might fail due a lack of willingness of the stakeholders to participate in the process. This paper reports about an attempt to involve a specific group of stakeholders and the problems encountered during this process. Although the stakeholders mentioned different reasons, the most important but primarily hidden reason appeared to be the political sensitivity of the issue. In this situation, a sensible alternative for the group model-building process seems to be the construction of the model by the researcher on the basis of single interviews with the stakeholders. Subsequently, the completed model can be offered to the stakeholders as a simulation tool for testing development scenarios and management measures which is assumed to support a learning process and raise the awareness of stakeholders regarding mutual dependencies and the possible need for collective action. Finally, the paper discusses recommendations drawn form these experiences.