Title:    Planning Styles in Conflict.
Authors:    Innes, Judith and Gruber, Judith
Source:    Journal of the American Planning Association; Spring2005, Vol. 71 Issue 2, p177-188, 12p, 2 diagrams

Abstract:   
In a 5-year study of the San Francisco Bay Area Metropolitan Transportation Commission, we found four planning styles at work: technical/bureaucratic, political influence, social movement, and collaborative. Each involved differing assumptions about knowledge, participation, and the nature of a good plan. Players using one style were often mistrustful or contemptuous of those working in others. Regional actions--as opposed to packages of projects for parochial interests--were rare. The few regional initiatives emerged from collaborative planning and social movements. We argue that where diversity and interdependence of interests are high, collaboration is the most effective approach. Key barriers to collaboration included state and federal funding formulas, earmarking, and the substantial documentation required by state and federal regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bay Area Transportation Decision Making in the Wake of ISTEA: Planning Styles in Conflict at the Metropolitan Transportation Commission

Innes

Bjorn Rombach and Rolf Solli, from the Goteborg University of Sweden, present, in this paper, an essential argument that, using The Godfather as a tool for reflection, is quite useful to be able to see how exactly leaders react in films.  They begin with defining the three basic concepts of this mafia movie, which include “family, business, and violent crime,” while specifying that these should not be mixed.

Don Vito Corleone is the most significant character to be analyzed in the paper, and his actions are considered extensively with regards to the manner in which he leads.  He is thoughtful, reprimanding, accusing, and forgiving.  These are the qualities attributed to Don Vito that make him successful.  His strength and ability to be stern make him a formidable opponent, all the while, a well-liked and well respected character because of his consideration for others and great emphasis on family values, old-fashioned and sexist though they may be.  One of his greatest strengths is how well he knows people, which allows Don Vito to be more than a common gangster and a far better businessman, able to manipulate his opponents.

The article places great emphasis on decision-making with regards to the success of a leader.  In Don Vito’s case, they use a model of rational decision making, as well as some specific examples, that depict Don Vito and very rational in his thought process, weighing the potential positive and negative outcomes of a given situation.

One of the more notable aspects of The Godfather is its rather slow pace in development.  As this paper expresses, generally people appreciate quick paced films, but in this case it is the very slow movement that characterizes the film.  This pace is underscored by the slow decision-making by Don Vito.  The fact that he thinks things through, ultimately, makes him a better leader, and incredibly successful in the end as a result.  By this film, slow pace and slow decisions are revered and rewarded as characteristics in a leader.