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Table 8 Two-dimensional classification system for policy variables of policy settings in sustainability governance systems, with the first dimension being “level of discretion” and the other being “method”, making up twelve theoretical policy styles

From: Conceptual framework for increasing legitimacy and trust of sustainability governance

Level of discretion → 

Method ↓

Voluntary

Optional or recommended policies encouraging action

Contingent

Requirements of specific actions are contingent

Mandatory

Specific action required

Procedural

Existence of management system or plan requirements (output based)

Management system or plan is recommended

A specified or non-specified management system or plan is required, in part or contingently

A specified management system or plan is required

Implementation

Compliance with BMPs (outcome based, indirectly impact based)

Implementation of specified or self-developed BMPs is recommended

Implementation of specified or self-developed BMPs is required, in part or contingently

Specified BMPs must be implemented

Progress

Progress demonstrated by measurement and monitoring

(impact based)

Demonstration of progress compared to BAU or status quo by measurements and monitoring is recommended

Demonstration of progress compared to BAU or status quo by specified or non-specified measurements and monitoring is required, in part or contingently

Demonstration of progress compared to BAU or status quo by specified measurements and monitoring systems is required

Substantive

Achievement of explicit on-the-ground goals or thresholds

(impact based)

Achievement of specific goals or thresholds is recommended, perhaps with suggestions for actions

Achievement of specific goals or thresholds is required, in part or contingently, perhaps with specific suggestions for actions or method is flexible to own judgement of what actions are most effective and efficient

Specific goals or thresholds should be achieved through specific actions

  1. See the text for further explanation of terms. The classification system was inspired by McDermott et al. [79] and Keller et al. [284]. BMP best management practices, BAU business as usual