Reflections on theory

and IA
D R M ATT H E W C A S H M O R E
CASHMORE@PLAN.AAU.DK

W W W .MATT H E W C A S H MO R E . N E T

State of the art?

Still theoretically underdetermined?
Attention has focused on process and practice to the detriment
of theory (Cashmore, 2004)
The theory-practice nexus:
Research on appraisal will proceed in parallel to innovation in
practice (Owens et al., 2004)
The interaction between researchers and practitioners on
these puzzling questions [learning] seems far more limited than
that predicted by Owens et al (2004). (Adelle et al., 2012)
Researchers had moved on to venues where appraisal was not
institutionalised (Adelle et al., 2012).

Constraints to theoretical innovation in IA

A field with strong vested interests:
Normative beliefs.
Commercial interests
Professional interests: careers built on EIA/SEA
There have been a large number of attempts to develop a theory to
justify its use in environmental decision-making Weston, 2010).
Political (and broader) faith in tools:
Belief that better IA design leads directly to better IAs and better
policies has stunted the appetite of researchers and funding bodies for
research which explores appraisal from a wider perspective (Adelle et
al., 2012)
P r a c t i c e p r e - d a t e s t h e o r y.
3

Using theory
A theory of EIA/ SEA?
Predicting and explaining
New perspectives, critical insights and self reflection
What tacit assumptions underpin my assumptions/ the
questions I am addressing, etc.?
What type of account can be generated through a particular
theoretical lens?

Capacity for EA
Capacity as a concept which has been used very loosely in the
literature.
Using sociological strands of new institutionalism to map
resources to support EIA and SEA systems.
Indicates the level and complexity of capacity requirements have
been grossly understated.

The politics of environmental policy

W h a t p o l i t i c a l w o r k i s p e r f o r m e d b y I A t o o l s ? An d w h a t s a t s t a k e ?
What drives the World Banks multi-million dollar involvement in
developing new approaches to IA?
Knowledge is power BUT for inter-organisation relationships at
the international level
How can we explain the global institutionalisation of SEA?
Role of advocacy networks
Why is so much emphasis placed on producing guidance in IA?
Constitution of expert practitioners