kuulemista

Kuulemista is a Finnish noun describing the act or process of hearing, listening, or taking into account views in a decision-making context. It is formed from the verb kuulla (to hear, to listen) with the nominalizing suffix -mista. In everyday language kuulemista can simply mean listening to someone, but in administrative and legal language it denotes a structured input from others before a decision is made.

In public administration, kuuleminen and kuulemista refer to activities by authorities to obtain opinions, evidence, or feedback from stakeholders, residents, organizations, and experts. This can take the form of written statements, oral hearings, consultations, or public meetings. The purpose is to increase transparency, gather diverse perspectives, and fulfil obligations to involve those affected by a decision.

The practice is common in areas such as urban planning, environmental regulation, budgeting, and legislative reform. While kuulemista aims to ensure participation, its effectiveness depends on how invitations are publicized, how responses are weighed, and whether participants have real access to influence the outcome. Critics may point to token participation if input is not adequately considered.

Related terms include kuuleminen (the act of hearing or presenting input in general), kuulemistilaisuus (a formal hearing), and kuulemiskierros (a round of hearings).