In interpreting these data, it is crucial that the tactics planners employ be
situation specific. Two variables, which are also measured by the instrument,
are key for determining which tactics planners use: the amount
of conflict among the various stakeholders in the planning process, and
the power base of the planner in relation to the planning situation_ For
example, if there are no serious conflicts of interests and the planner holds
no less power base than the target person or groups, "the effective tactics
are reasoning and consulting_ However, if your power base is limited by the
situation, you might want to use the tactics of appealing and networking.
When the conflicts of interest are significant and your power base is limited,
such tactics as pressuring, counteracting, and reasoning are more plausible"
(Yang, 1999, P- 7)_ In other words, "an effective planner should be
a tactical agent who understands the planning situation well and is able
to use a variety of power and influence tactics according to the situation"
(Yang, Cervero, Valentine, & Benson, 1998, P- 242)- Although she views the
POINTS instrument as reliable and useful, Hendricks (2001) cautions that
this "instrument should be refined with the purpose of increasing the reliability
of the influencing subscales(p. 233), which are related to the choice
and nature of the most appropriate tactics to be used.