Evidence of learning processes in EIA systems

Figures & data

Figure 1. Conceptual model for learning processes through Strategic Environmental Assessment (Kidd et al. 2011, p. 55)

Figure 2. Organizational learning as a dynamic process (Crossan et al. 1999, p. 532).

Table 1. Guiding elements to find evidence of learning through EIA.

Questions	Categories	Evidence	References
What can be learned? (learning outcomes)	Learning loops (single and double loop)	Single loop learning	Sánchez and Mitchell (2017)
		Increased scientific knowledge
		Increased capacity to mitigate impacts and enhance benefits
		Preparing better IA documents (ToRs, EIS, environmental and social management plans etc.)
		Adopting more effective communication strategies
		Corrective and incremental actions	Dibella et al. (1996)
		Double loop learning	Sánchez and Mitchell (2017)
		Recognizing the need for negotiating multiple objectives and trade-offs when adopting sustainability as a policy goal
		Developing reasonable alternatives consistent with sustainability objectives
		Addressing gaps in legislation/regulation that hinders EIA effectiveness
		Innovative thinking	Dibella et al. (1996)
How can learning be achieved? (processes to facilitate learning/to deliver learning outcomes)	Knowledge sources	Training and capacity building	Sánchez and Mitchell (2017)
		Internal: knowledge acquisition through internal processes, lessons from experience, internal research	Dibella et al. (1996)
		External: alliances with universities, research centers or benchmark organizations, technical visits, continuous feedback from external organizations
		Formal: investment in formal educational methods, new staff (source of knowledge acquisition)
		Informal: informal dialogs, senior experience
	Knowledge dissemination	Formal: written communication, periodic meetings, feedback systems	Dibella et al. (1996)
		Informal: continuous dialog, personal contacts, early socialization
	Skills development (individual, group, organizational)	Individual learning: individual actions	Crossan et al. (1999)
		Group learning: interactive conversational processes
		Group learning: team skills, investments in group training	Dibella et al. (1996)
		Organizational learning: dialog and joint actions, shared understanding, coordinated actions by members of a workgroup, establishment of formal rules and procedures by the workgroup	Crossan et al. (1999)
	Documentation mode/knowledge repositories	Establishing and maintaining internal structures to facilitate organizational learning: information sharing, information interpretation, organizational memory	Sánchez and Mitchell (2017)
		Manuals and templates	Sánchez and Morrison-Saunders (2011); Sánchez and André (2013)
		Technical sheets
		Key environmental factors
		Guidelines for environmental review documents
		Environmental protection policies
		Guidance statements
		Environmental analysis and follow-up reports
		Central information systems
		Files
		Staff meetings
		Informal talks
		Senior staff
		Documentation center	Dibella et al. (1996)
		Shared repository of lessons learned

Figure 3. Conceptual model for learning through EIA.

Kidd S, Fischer TB, Jha-Thakur U. 2011. Sustainable communities: skills and learning for place making. Hatfield: University of Hertfordshire Press. Chapter 4, Developing the learning potential of strategic environmental assessment in spatial planning; p. 53–67.

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Crossan MM, Lane HW, White RE. 1999. An organisational learning framework: from intuition to institution. Acad Manag Rev. 24:522–537.

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Sánchez LE, Mitchell R. 2017. Conceptualizing impact assessment as a learning process. Environ Impact Assess Rev. 62:195–204.10.1016/j.eiar.2016.06.001

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Dibella AJ, Nevis EC, Gould JM. 1996. Understanding organizational learning capability. J Manage Stud. 33:361–379.10.1111/joms.1996.33.issue-3

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Sánchez LE, Morrison-Saunders A. 2011. Learning about knowledge management for improving environmental impact assessment in a government agency: the Western Australian experience. J Environ Manage. 92:2260–2271.10.1016/j.jenvman.2011.04.010

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Sánchez LE, André P. 2013. Knowledge management in environmental impact assessment agencies: a study in Québec, Canada. J Environ Assess Policy Manage. 15:1350015–1–1350015–32.

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