Content analysis of journal articles revealed that most authors agree that community decisions should be informed, democratic, and just. Authors disagree, however, about whether community development practitioners should act as advocates. The author provides a guide for making ethical choices concerning advocacy. (Author/CH)

This study was conducted to find out how effective Extension Community Resource Development Advisory Committees are in achieving their purposes and functions. Both committee members and extension agents agreed that committees were meeting their purposes by making sound program decisions, securing community acceptance of programs, and improving the…

Argues that while past analyses of local decision-making processes have been valuable, methods used may not have been appropriate to obtain valid data on subjective impressions of community leadership structure. Suggests a methodological strategy using a cognitive mapping procedure. (Author/JOW)

Interprets Saul Alinsky's contribution to community development through three themes: community cohesiveness as one goal of community organization; political participation and goal of broadening community participation in city-wide decision making; and the use of nonviolent conflict in unifying diverse local interests and effectively bargaining…

Outlines a practical application of Dillman's "synchronized survey model" within a community case study context. Presents step-by-step approach to integrating preference survey data with other data sources in development of a comprehensive land use plan. Considers problems and trade-offs of fitting a research process into practical…

This field study of a small midwestern town undergoing development suggests that external resources (such as state and federal aid) do not necessarily diminish local decision making if the community has shared values, conflict resolution mechanisms, local issues, and healthy social networks. (SK)

Presents a case study of participatory evaluation which suggests an evaluation method which not only provides meaningful data for decision makers but also provides important feedback to the community. Shows the steps leading to self-evaluation workshops and reviews the evaluation methods that were utilized. (Author/CT)