Målvalgets

Målvalgets is a term used in Scandinavian planning and policy discourse to denote the process of selecting and prioritizing goals from a broader set of potential targets. The compound stems from mål, meaning goal or target, and valet, meaning the act of choosing; the possessive form målvalgets is used to refer to the process or outputs associated with that choice.

Definition and scope

Målvalget describes both the methodology and the resulting set of agreed-upon goals. It encompasses identifying a problem or opportunity, generating a range of possible goals, establishing criteria for evaluation, gathering relevant data, and applying a decision framework to select final goals. The process often aims to align goals with strategic priorities, available resources, and stakeholder values.

Process and methods

Common steps include articulating the problem scope, compiling candidate goals, defining evaluation criteria (such as impact, feasibility, cost, and equity), scoring or ranking goals, and arriving at a prioritized or bounded set of targets. Documentation of decisions and rationale is typically an integral part of målvalgets, as is planning for monitoring, review, and potential revision.

Applications and relevance

Målvalgets is used in public policy, urban and regional planning, organizational strategy, and project management. It supports transparent decision-making, helps forecast trade-offs between competing goals, and provides a framework for stakeholder dialogue and accountability.

Variations and critique

Different contexts may privilege quantitative multicriteria analysis or qualitative deliberation. Critics warn of biases in criteria selection, unequal stakeholder influence, and the risk of goals shifting under changing circumstances. Proponents emphasize structured, participatory approaches to improve legitimacy and outcomes.