From "Hysteria" to "Enlightened Input": Five Dimensions of Risk Managers' Integration of Public Perceptions. Claire Mays, SYMLOG, BP 125, F-94232 Cachan France, telephone 33 1 4740 0990, e-mail claire.mays@ipsn.fr; and Jean Brenot, IPSN-DPHD-SEGR, BP 6, F-92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses France; telephone 33 1 4654 8129; e-mail jean.brenot@ipsn.fr
Each stage of risk analysis involves both technical and social evaluations and decisions. Public institutions involved in risk management are examining today the status which should be given in policy making to public demands or perceptions. What framework may be developed that integrates both technical and "subjective" indicators? What methods may be used to identify public perceptions and demands, how can they be sorted and weighted, how should they be integrated into decision? How to characterize the links between public demands and acceptability of policy?
In researching these questions for France's Environment Ministry, we reviewed published statements by various institutional actors in risk analysis. A clear conceptual opposition may be seen between e.g. actors condemning the intrinsic value of perceptions or demands by the public (as conveyed by the media or by pressure groups), and, actors arguing for the intrinsic value of taking into account the views of persons affected by risk and by risk policy (across e.g. democratic consultation). Intermediary positions along this bipolar dimension could be identified; as they were analysed, new dimensions suggested themselves, upon which all the statements could be positioned. These new dimensions were: Use to be made of public perceptions and demands (Prioritisation vs. Management); Integration of public concerns (At outset vs. As they appear); Justification of decisions in regard to "acceptability" (Refer to pre-established criteria vs. Partners construct shared definition of acceptability); Role of risk communication (Inform to educate vs. Communicate to develop shared meanings).
The statements and their position on the dimensions are briefly presented, and the audience is solicited for new examples to place along the first, Intrinsic Value dimension.
Research supported by French Environment Ministry, DGAD-SRAE-95198.
Go to . . .
1998 SRA-Europe Table of Contents
1998 SRA-Europe Author Index
Main Abstracts Menu Page
RiskWorld Home Page