Actor and Strategy Models

A plan, policy or business strategy can only be successful if it is has the support of different actors. A good plan does not only offer an optimal solution to a given 'technical' problem, but also fits with the needs and abilities of key actors involved. Furthermore, these actors are not always passive recipients, but may also actively pursue their own agendas. A strategy for dealing with actors is thus a necessary part of a plan or policy. For this, a good understanding of the various actors involved in planning and in plan implementation is a prerequisite.

This book offers a primer on models that shed light on the multi-actor dimensions in planning. Based on the fundamental notions that actor strategies are explained by investigating what actors want to achieve, can do, and think, several different analytical approaches are covered. Each method is positioned within the scientific literature, its theoretic underpinnings are introduced, and practical applications are discussed and illustrated with elaborate case examples. As a primer on actor analysis methods, this book offers guidance and inspiration to anyone who would like to gain a better understanding of the actor environment in which they find themselves.