ABSTRACT
This chapter identifies the organizational variables used in the next section to describes the types of agency compatible with each mode of planning. Urban and regional planning tasks are carried out by a diverse set of public and private agencies at various administrative levels and with different functions. The chosen modes are recognized as having empirical relevance. L. C. Dalton suggests that ‘contemporary planning practice depends upon the rational model because it appears to provide a secure base for a profession that is potentially in trouble’. The prominent proponents of synoptic, incremental, communicative, and advocacy planning launched their ideas for different reasons and wanted to achieve different things. The exposition centres on bureaucratic features and administrative procedures. Agency policy on the techniques for solving various tasks throughout the planning process is seen as part of the administrative procedures. The variables ‘reporting lines’ and ‘information asymmetry’ are used in linking agency properties to planning styles.
