The Practice of Using Predictive Social Design to Solve Problems of Spatial Development

In the context of contemporary dynamic and uncertain social life, the classic dichotomy of “formalization-flexibility” in management is giving way to the dichotomy of “unification-diversity”. This is due to the need to involve diverse social groups and move to more flexible subject-subject relationships. However, the rejection of subject-object management methods is often declarative in nature, and the introduced mechanisms of partnership activity lack a proper evidence base. The technology of “PredictiveSocial Design” (PSD), developed by T.M. Dridze, is one such mechanism aimed at solving the problems of spatial development. The article examines the ability of PSD to ensure adaptation in conditions of high uncertainty and increasing dynamics, taking into account the uniqueness and specificity of different communities and cultures. The methodological basis of the analysis is the concept of types of scientific rationality by V.S. Stepin, which distinguishes classical, non-classical, and post-non-classical types of management situations. The research method is a multiple case study, which allows for an in-depth analysis of several cases, identifying similarities and differences. With the help of interviews, observation, and document analysis, five cases related to solving spatial development problems using PSD were studied, collecting data. The study found that classical approaches to management do not correspond to the level of complexity of problems related to the non-classical paradigm of scientific rationality. PSD, used in situations of a non-classical type, retains a number of features inherent in classical management, which can lead to negative consequences. The search for a balance between unification and diversity raises several questions regarding the extent to which the transition from management based on the facts of goal achievement to mechanisms that organize joint activities is able to respond to the challenges that are characteristic of modern problems caused by growing uncertainty.

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