They react to management proposals from others. Second, guardians seek to protect the status quo especially by relying on time-tried decision processes. Guardians attempt to protect themselves and their constituencies from interference, are interested in preventing challenges to their routines or plans. These agencies may prefer interest group consultation or public participation. Third, brokers seek to manage decisions through tradeoffs and bargaining.
Brokers have the ability to facilitate bargaining.
They are in a position to help or hinder the planning and implementation process. In bargaining they tend to rely on cost-benefit analysis, mechanisms for controlling resource allocation, and to some extent political considerations. The latter is important because of the nature of the agencies' support groups. Finally, arbitrators endeavor to make objective, court-like decisions. They rely on data collected by others and make authoritative allocations after hearing evidence from all sides.