The art and science of impact assessment: results of a survey of IAIA members

Abstract

Results from a questionnaire survey of International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) members' on the art and science of impact assessment (IA) are reported. Over 325 respondents provided their views and ideas on what this relationship means and how it contributes to effective assessment practice. The importance of a strong scientific basis of rigorous, verifiable and objective information was endorsed by nearly everyone. As policy art, the integration of values and community concerns into assessments and the effective communication of information and findings to the public and decision-makers were also highly regarded. Political influences on IA outcomes were acknowledged but viewed with some suspicion. Overall, the results suggest that IA good practice is recognised by many IAIA members as an amalgam of sound science and policy art, with space and need for both rational, technical and fact-based analysis and contextual, participative and value- responsive actions to deliver sustainable outcomes.

Keywords:

• impact assessment
• science
• policy
• decision-making
• effectiveness
• politics
• art