Managing risk perceptions
Officials in government and private industry who are responsible for resolving and managing problems posed by hazardous technologies often have difficulty understanding the volatile and sometimes seemingly irrational risk perceptions of the public. They know that the public will hold them accountable and that they must learn to interact effectively with a public that is increasingly sophisticated about the hazards of modern technology. The author notes the tendency of people to simplify issues, to ignore evidence that contradicts their current beliefs, and to base their perceptions of relative risk on what they see in the news media and observe in their daily lives. He suggests some strategies that risk managers might pursue when dealing with the public about risk controversies. Among other things, they should explain the decision making process and available options better and listen to what the public has to say. 1 table.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of Oregon, Eugene
- OSTI ID:
- 5044037
- Journal Information:
- Issues Sci. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: Issues Sci. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 2:1; ISSN ISTEE
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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