DOING THE IMPOSSIBLE - NOTES FOR A GENERAL-THEORY OF PLANNING

If a 'general theory of planning' is impossible, a contingent framewor k is proposed to integrate prevailing and emergent planning paradigms which present four different views of planning: deliberative rationali ty, communicative practice, coordinative planning, and frame setting. These are not mutually exclusive but are complementary aspects of a co ntingent and dynamic planning process. Rationality is invoked in delib erative problem solving by individuals or quasi-individuals, whose int eraction takes the form of communicative practice. Coordinative planni ng represents interaction between organizations, whereas the domain of planning as frame setting is the community. This contingent framework also subsumes descriptive and normative planning models, which are re viewed and illustrated.