Harnessing model-based group decision support systems for more effective stakeholder engagement: Reflections from the field

Fran Ackermann; Julian Clifton; Michael Burton; Carmen Elrick-Barr; Euan Harvey; Georgie Hill; Johanna Zimmerhackel

doi:10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2025.107658

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Harnessing model-based group decision support systems for more effective stakeholder engagement: Reflections from the field

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Harnessing model-based group decision support systems for more effective stakeholder engagement: Reflections from the field

Fran Ackermann, Julian Clifton, Michael Burton, Carmen Elrick-Barr, Euan Harvey, Georgie Hill and Johanna Zimmerhackel

Ocean & Coastal Management, Vol.267, pp.1-8

2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2025.107658

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Abstract

Causal mapping

Group decision support systems

Marine planning and management

Social licence to operate

Stakeholder engagement

Stakeholder engagement is an integral component of active and participatory decision-making, enabling robust outcomes to be delivered and facilitating organisations in gaining and retaining a social license to operate. However, engaging stakeholders requires methods that realise these benefits whilst avoiding common pitfalls such as tokenism, selective participation, and stakeholder fatigue amongst others. This paper reports on an approach to identify stakeholder perspectives on the socio-economic values associated with decommissioning of Australian offshore oil and gas structures in a manner that enabled a holistic understanding of these values. This involved combining causal mapping with group decision support system technology, allowing a complex range of views to be explored whilst reducing pressures for conformity. The results demonstrate how such a method can ensure transparency and facilitate knowledge sharing between stakeholders, whilst also underlining the significance of a systemic approach to understanding the heterogeneity of stakeholder views. These process outcomes provide policy-makers with insights into the complexities of perceived issues and opportunities associated with offshore decommissioning and an approach that enables a nuanced understanding of these and related grand challenges to be incorporated into marine policy.

Details

Title: Harnessing model-based group decision support systems for more effective stakeholder engagement: Reflections from the field
Authors: Fran Ackermann (Corresponding Author) - Curtin University
Julian Clifton - Curtin University
Michael Burton - The University of Western Australia
Carmen Elrick-Barr - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Law and Society
Euan Harvey - Curtin University
Georgie Hill - Curtin University
Johanna Zimmerhackel - The University of Western Australia
Publication details: Ocean & Coastal Management, Vol.267, pp.1-8
Publisher: Elsevier Ltd
Date published: 2025
DOI: 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2025.107658
ISSN: 1873-524X; 0964-5691
Data Availability: The authors do not have permission to share data.
Grant note: The authors would like to acknowledge funding from the Australian Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC-2018-53) and Chevron which enabled this research to be conducted.
Organisation Unit: School of Law and Society
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991119445002621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Oceanography; Water Resources