Needs and pathways for strengthening the contribution of qualitative methods toward more effective impact assessment practice
Abstract
Many jurisdictions are looking to next-generation impact assessment (IA) that includes sustainability considerations that extend beyond biophysical. Subjectivity is inherent in many of these additional impact considerations, and they are often not easily nor effectively quantified. Delivering effective IA within this broadening scope requires new, innovative, and rigorous applications of qualitative methods that enable meaningful inclusion of diverse knowledges, values, and information. While many qualitative methods are available for IA, there remains a significant opportunity to strengthen their contribution toward more effective IA practice. As such, we establish in this paper needs that must be addressed if qualitative methods are to meaningfully contribute to IA and pathways for acting on these needs. Relating findings from a survey, semi-structured interviews, and a world café, the paper specifically identifies six key needs for enhancing the effective use of qualitative methods in IA, and five pathways for addressing these needs that involve all IA actors. We conclude that there are deeply entrenched assumptions about qualitative methods and that shifting these views will be challenging and take time. Together, the identified needs and pathways provide a framework for action to improve the effectiveness of IA and should be considered in IA training and practice.
RAS ID
82147
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
1-1-2025
Volume
43
Issue
3
Funding Information
Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
School
Centre for People, Place and Planet
Copyright
subscription content
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Identifier
Angus Morrison-Saunders: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3560-0164
Recommended Citation
Walker, H., Sinclair, A., Diduck, A. P., Bond, A., Pope, J., Morrison-Saunders, A., & Retief, F. (2025). Needs and pathways for strengthening the contribution of qualitative methods toward more effective impact assessment practice. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14615517.2025.2515776
Comments
Walker, H., Sinclair, A. J., Diduck, A. P., Bond, A., Pope, J., Morrison-Saunders, A., & Retief, F. (2025). Needs and pathways for strengthening the contribution of qualitative methods toward more effective impact assessment practice. Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, 43(3), 198-212. https://doi.org/10.1080/14615517.2025.2515776