Allocation currencies and perceived ability to obtain permits

In an effort to understand how permit allocation systems affect different user groups, Stankey and Baden (1977) developed an evaluation scheme based on the idea of allocation currencies. Each allocation alternative is associated with a currency that pays the costs imposed by that system. This paper hypothesizes that those who have more of the relevant currency perceive that they have a greater likelihood of successfully obtaining a permit. This relationship is tested for five common allocation alternatives (pricing, reservation, lottery, queuing, and merit) with data from a sample of river runners in Hells Canyon. Results generally support the theory, and all but one of the hypothesized relationships were significant. Other currency variables also had significant effects, however, suggesting that the costs imposed by allocation systems are fairly complex. Implications for management are discussed.