It is argued that community quality of life and social impact studies are similar in nature and can be integrated with a common analytical model for conducting community assessments. All such assessments must incorporate the basic values prevailing in the community, as expressed by community leaders and various segments of the population. Community assessments must also include both objective and subjective procedures, as neither approach is meaningful by itself. The initial stages of the proposed community assessment process are illustrated with research conducted on the island of Molokai in Hawaii. That study mapped the value structure of the island's residents, from which social indicators for the island were derived.
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