ABSTRACT
Each stage of environmental decision-making presents a different challenge to management. Opening up an issue to public comment presents a challenge to existing interests, who usually prefer things the way they are. The final evaluation stage can pit each player against the others in claiming credit or shelving blame. From the small self-sufficient rural economy to the turbulent industrial city, there is potential for conflict from competing specialist advisers, conflicting environmental interests, and disparate skills within the management team. Consequently, there is every reason to incorporate conflict management into environmental management at each of the decision-making stages.
