Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Geography & Environmental Studies
Faculty/School
Faculty of Arts
First Advisor
Robert Sharpe
Advisor Role
Thesis Supervisor
Abstract
Many small communities in Southwestern Ontario suffer from economic decline. Several areas have faced devastating plant closures and layoffs. In response, communities have been encouraged to adopt a community economic development strategy by senior levels of government. This strategy focuses on community participation, entrepreneurship and the retraining of the workforce. This thesis examines the accomplishments of eight predominantly rural areas in Southwestern Ontario. Attitudes and perceptions of sixty-four local actors involved in the CED process were evaluated. These eight areas received similar levels of funding and all have mechanisms in place for community economic development. However, the extent of CED activities in each community was quite different. Why? In order to answer this question local participants were interviewed to determine to what extent they thought their community's progress was related to four dimensions of collaboration: economic viability, local participation, organizational interaction and political efficacy. Local participation, and political efficacy were identified as prerequisites to progress.
Recommended Citation
McCormick, Lisa Susanne, "An attitudinal evaluation of collaboration in the community economic development process in southwestern Ontario" (1994). Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive). 332.
https://scholars.wlu.ca/etd/332
Convocation Year
1994
Convocation Season
Fall