FRIS Development and social implementation of a risk communication policy for external safety issues

Development and social implementation of a risk communication policy for external safety issues

Here you can learn more about the FRIS-project. Click on an item that you want to read about.

The project has started recently, in December 1^st 2004, so for now we only present the research plans here. Check this page regularly for results and other updates.

Introduction

Interface between science and policy

References

Who participates in this project?

News

Contact

Introduction

The FRIS program, which is sponsored by NWO-GaMON, identifies external safety as one of the problems people may experience in their direct environment and focuses on the role of risk perception and risk communication related to external safety. The FRIS program is a cooperative study between the University of Twente and RIVM.

External safety comprises all risk issues related to the production, storage and transportation of hazardous materials. There is an increasing demand for public involvement and participation in information concerning external safety. Therefore, Dutch provincial authorities are designing digital risk maps which will inform the public of existing external safety issues in their immediate living surroundings. The digital risk map, designed and maintained by RIVM, aimes to increase the risk and safety awareness about external safety issues among governmental officials, companies, individual citizens and other stakeholders. With the development of these maps, the need grows for understanding individual citizen’s risk information seeking and processing behavior as well as recommendations for the implementation of risk communication policies to (local) governments and other stakeholders. The actual impact of the digital maps on the public risk perception and risk information processing activities is only studied in a few pilot projects (e.g. Strating et al., 2004; Beerepoot et al., 2004).

Research objectives

The research project assumes that the success or failure of risk communication about external safety issues lies in the interaction of the individual citizen’s seeking and processing of risk information and the social implementation of risk communication policies by government and companies for which external safety issues are relevant. It consists of two subprojects: a four-year PhD project (1,0 fte) and a three-year post-doc project (0,5 fte).

The PhD project which is titled “FRIS-A: The theoretical and empirical development of FRIS: the Framework of Risk Information Sufficiency” has a theoretical, fundamental focus and will provide better understanding of the determinants of risk information sufficiency, applied to external safety issues. A new theoretical framework will be developed, called the Framework of Risk Information Sufficiency (FRIS).

The post-doc project which is titled “FRIS-Z: The social implementation of FRIS and the concept of control mutuality in the risk communication policy of local, provincial and national governments and other stakeholders“ is aimed at the implementation of the new insights in policy and practice. It addresses the question how stakeholders such as governments and the private sector can design or adopt risk communication policies and implement those policies on the local level.

Theory

The PhD-project focuses on the individual’s role as an active risk information seeker and processor. This is a rather new perspective to risk communication, which traditionally used a top-down, sender orentied approach. The Framework of Risk Information Sufficiency is a receiver-oriented framework. FRIS finds its roots in the model for Risk Information Seeking and Processing (RISP) developed by Griffin et al. (1999) and similar models by Trumbo (see Trumbo & McComas, 2003). These models posit linkages among various predictors of information processing that have been highlighted in (risk) communication and social psychology. They find their conceptual inspiration in the work of Slovic (risk perception research), Ajzen & Fishbein (theory of planned behaviour) and Chaiken (heuristic-systematic model).

Some concepts need to be added to the original RISP model: trust (Slovic, 1993), personal relevance and self-efficacy (see e.g., Gutteling & Wiegman, 1996). When relevant parties are trusted, a certain level of risk insufficiency is hypothesized to be acceptable to the individual which contributes to minimize processing effort. Personal relevance may be of importance, because the motivation to fill the perceived information gap may be greater in situations with higher personal relevance. Self-efficacy refers to the notion that the individual expects to be able to cope with the risks adequately with the newly acquired information.

The project will contribute to the theoretical development of the FRIS-model by studying the underlying concepts and their interrelations. The perceived information sufficiency, drawn from the heuristic-systematic model, is the core concept. It states that the individual searches for a balance between minimal effortful information processing and a desired level of judgmental confidence (Chaiken et al., 1989). Individuals are assumed to continue to actively engage in information processing until they have reached the depth or breadth of understanding that they perceive to be necessary. A perceived gap is associated with actively seeking additional information through the use of multiple information sources (Eagly & Chaiken, 1993). FRIS will help to understand what motivates people to seek out risk information on the digital maps.

The post-doc project will link the FRIS-model with the concept of control mutuality. Control mutuality refers to equity in power. It is described as “the degree to which the parties in a relationship are satisfied with the amount of control they have over the relationship” (Grunig & Huang, 2002). The framework underlines that organisational, psychological and communication factors influence the achievement of control mutuality. It emphasizes the empowerment of community members (laymen) and other stakeholders in local decision making processes regarding external safety issues. Empowerment can be considered as enhancing proactive behaviours to matters of social policy and social change (Zimmermann & Rappaport, 1988). It includes personality-related, cognitive, motivational and contextual dimensions. Community empowerment means self- and political efficacy, perceived competence, locus of control and desire for control.

Applied to the digital risk map, the framework of control mutuality suggests that the success of local risk communication interactions between citizens, governments, private companies and other stakeholders (NGOs, etc.) depends on the relationships on the local level.

Methodology

The PhD project will employ several research methodologies. In phase 1, an extensive literature research is executed and measurement instruments that will be applied in phases 2 en 3 of the PhD project are developed. The main concepts from the RISP model, the additional concepts trust, self-efficacy and personal relevance, as well as concepts relating to information processing in threatening circumstances, e.g. COPE, MMBS, PMPI, will be measured. We will statistically test the newly developed model with structural equation analysis (e.g. AMOS or LISREL).

In phase 2 a survey is designed and fielded to measure the determinants of risk information sufficiency in the Dutch population. This survey will yield the data we need for statistical modelling of FRIS with structural equation models. The theoretical model produced in phase 2 is the basis for a social psychological experiment in phase 3. This experiment aims to confirm the predicted causal relations with respect to risk information sufficiency.

The post-doc project will apply various methodologies. In phase 1 of the post-doc project an instrument will be developed and fielded, with respect to risk communication policies and other organisational variables in Dutch companies and government relevant to the external safety issue. In phase 2 cases of risk communication interactions between companies, local governments and citizens on the local level will be analysed along the concepts of risk information sufficiency and control mutuality and the implementation of the digital risk map.

The project will produce a plan for the implementation of the program’s results. This plan is aimed at governments and companies and comprises recommendations for the adoption and implementation of the digital risk map, in the light of the understanding of the citizen’s individual risk information seeking and processing and in the light of the findings of the risk communication monitor and the case studies. Two workshops will be organised with representatives from government (at all levels) and other relevant stakeholders to assess the plan’s feasibility. As part of the dissemination activities of the FRIS program a national symposium - embedded in the 2007 Annual Meeting of the Society for Risk Analysis-Europe – will be organised, aimed at policy makers and other stakeholders

Scientific output

The proposed framework of risk information sufficiency is characterized by a receiver-oriented approach. The implementation of the digital risk map marks a strategically important moment to update the traditional, sender-oriented risk communication research perspective. The currect project will deliver a PhD-thesis based on at least 3 journal articles on the FRIS-model. The model also offers possibilities for future studies. In addition, the project addresses the equally important process of risk communication implementation in the local community, and studies how local and provincial governments and the private sector incorporate the digital risk map in their risk communication strategies. A series of at least 2 journal articles by the post-doc on the implementation of risk communication policies by and within “risk owners” (companies, local, provincial and national governments) and the interaction between the individual citizen’s risk information sufficiency and control mutuality, and further dissemination activities will be employed directed at the academic world, stakeholders and the public as the organisation of a national symposium on risk communication (and external safety)

Interface between science and policy

The understanding that the FRIS program will provide for individual risk information seeking and processing, and the monitoring of risk communication policies on external safety from the perspective of public participation and control mutuality, is of great importance to the further development and implementation of these policies by Dutch government, companies and other stakeholders. Both risk communication and external safety are priorities in Dutch policy. The May 2000 Enschede disaster has renewed the importance of these questions and their possible answers to policy makers in the various Dutch Ministries like VROM (environment), BZK (disaster management), VWS (health) and V&W (transport). External safety is also an important focal point in the newly proposed government centre of expertise for risk and crisis communication (ERC). Once operational, the FRIS group and the ERC will work together (a first agreement on this cooperation has been reached).

Part of the post-doc project will be to produce a plan for the implementation of the program’s results (that is both the results from the PhD project and the post-doc project). This implementation plan is aimed at governments and companies and comprises recommendations for the adoption and further implementation of the digital risk map, in the light of the understanding of the citizen’s individual risk information seeking and processing and in the light of the findings of the risk communication monitor and the case studies. As part of the implementation plan, two workshops will be organised with representatives from government (at all levels) and other relevant stakeholders to assess the plan’s feasibility. The input from the workshops will be used to complete the implementation plan. A national symposium aimed at policy makers and other stakeholders will be organised on external safety issues as part of the dissemination activities of the FRIS program (this national symposium will be incorporated in the 2007 Annual Meeting of the Society for Risk Analysis-Europe to be organised by the research team in the Netherlands).

References

Beerepoot, W., R. Levi, K. Schreurs, K. Verschueren, M. Kuttschreuter & J.M. Gutteling. De burger en de risicokaart: Gebruikerservaringen in Enschede drie jaar na de vuurwerkramp. Tijdschrift voor Communicatiewetenschap, 32 (4), 361-377.

Chaiken, S., A. Liberman, & A. Eagly (1989). Heuristics and systematic processing within and beyond the persuasion context. In: J.S. Veleman & J.A. Bargh (Eds), Unintended thought (pp. 212-252). New York: Guilford.

Eagly, A., & S.Chaiken (1993). The psychology of attitudes. San Diego, Ca.: Harcourt Brace.

Griffin, R.J., S. Dunwoody, & K. Neuwirth (1999). Proposed model of the relationship of risk information seeking and processing to the development of preventive behaviors. Environmental research, 80, 230-245.

Grunig, J.E. & Y.H. Huang (2002). The Effect of Relationships on Reputation and Reputation on Relationships: A Cognitive, Behavioral Study. Paper presented to the 5th Educator's Academy, Public Relations Society of America, Miami, FL.

Gutteling, J.M. & O. Wiegman (1996). Exploring Risk Communication. Kluwer Academic Publishers.

Slovic, P. (1993). Perceived risk, trust, and democracy. Risk Analysis, 13 (6), 675-682.

Strating, M., G. van Beuningen, M. Kuttschreuter, & J. M. Gutteling. De risicokaart in ontwikkeling: een eerste evaluatie. Tijdschrift voor Veiligheid en Veiligheidszorg, 3 (1), 4-17.

Trumbo, C.W., & K.A. McComas (2003). The function of credibility in information processing for risk perception. Risk Analysis, 23 (2), 343-353.

Zimmerman, MA. & J. Rappaport (1988). Citizen Participation, perceived control and psychological empowerment, American Journal of Community Psychology, 16, p.725-750

Who is participating in this project?

Program leader, other staff and participating institutes.

Dr. Jan M. Gutteling 1)

Drs. Ellen ter Huurne (PhD) 1)

Drs. Zamira Gurabardhi (Post doc) 1)

Prof. Dr. E.R. Seydel (UT, promotor) 1)

Dr. M. Kuttschreuter (UT) 1)

Dr. J.G. Post (RIVM) 2)

1) University of Twente, Faculty of Behavioural Sciences, Department of Communication Studies.

2) RIVM, Centre for External Safety

Contact

Dr. Jan M. Gutteling

University of Twente

Faculty of Behavioural Sciences, Department of Communication Studies.

Po Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, Netherlands

Phone: + 31 534 896 052 (secretary 4470)

Fax: + 31 534 892 388

Email: j.m.gutteling@utwente.nl.

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<< GW Home Actueel Samenwerkingsverbanden Onderwijs Onderzoeksprojecten Proefschriften Zoeken	FRIS Development and social implementation of a risk communication policy for external safety issues Development and social implementation of a risk communication policy for external safety issues Here you can learn more about the FRIS-project. Click on an item that you want to read about. The project has started recently, in December 1^st 2004, so for now we only present the research plans here. Check this page regularly for results and other updates. Introduction Research objectives Theory Methodology Scientific output Interface between science and policy References Who participates in this project? News Contact Introduction The FRIS program, which is sponsored by NWO-GaMON, identifies external safety as one of the problems people may experience in their direct environment and focuses on the role of risk perception and risk communication related to external safety. The FRIS program is a cooperative study between the University of Twente and RIVM. External safety comprises all risk issues related to the production, storage and transportation of hazardous materials. There is an increasing demand for public involvement and participation in information concerning external safety. Therefore, Dutch provincial authorities are designing digital risk maps which will inform the public of existing external safety issues in their immediate living surroundings. The digital risk map, designed and maintained by RIVM, aimes to increase the risk and safety awareness about external safety issues among governmental officials, companies, individual citizens and other stakeholders. With the development of these maps, the need grows for understanding individual citizen’s risk information seeking and processing behavior as well as recommendations for the implementation of risk communication policies to (local) governments and other stakeholders. The actual impact of the digital maps on the public risk perception and risk information processing activities is only studied in a few pilot projects (e.g. Strating et al., 2004; Beerepoot et al., 2004). Research objectives The research project assumes that the success or failure of risk communication about external safety issues lies in the interaction of the individual citizen’s seeking and processing of risk information and the social implementation of risk communication policies by government and companies for which external safety issues are relevant. It consists of two subprojects: a four-year PhD project (1,0 fte) and a three-year post-doc project (0,5 fte). The PhD project which is titled “FRIS-A: The theoretical and empirical development of FRIS: the Framework of Risk Information Sufficiency” has a theoretical, fundamental focus and will provide better understanding of the determinants of risk information sufficiency, applied to external safety issues. A new theoretical framework will be developed, called the Framework of Risk Information Sufficiency (FRIS). The post-doc project which is titled “FRIS-Z: The social implementation of FRIS and the concept of control mutuality in the risk communication policy of local, provincial and national governments and other stakeholders“ is aimed at the implementation of the new insights in policy and practice. It addresses the question how stakeholders such as governments and the private sector can design or adopt risk communication policies and implement those policies on the local level. Theory The PhD-project focuses on the individual’s role as an active risk information seeker and processor. This is a rather new perspective to risk communication, which traditionally used a top-down, sender orentied approach. The Framework of Risk Information Sufficiency is a receiver-oriented framework. FRIS finds its roots in the model for Risk Information Seeking and Processing (RISP) developed by Griffin et al. (1999) and similar models by Trumbo (see Trumbo & McComas, 2003). These models posit linkages among various predictors of information processing that have been highlighted in (risk) communication and social psychology. They find their conceptual inspiration in the work of Slovic (risk perception research), Ajzen & Fishbein (theory of planned behaviour) and Chaiken (heuristic-systematic model). Some concepts need to be added to the original RISP model: trust (Slovic, 1993), personal relevance and self-efficacy (see e.g., Gutteling & Wiegman, 1996). When relevant parties are trusted, a certain level of risk insufficiency is hypothesized to be acceptable to the individual which contributes to minimize processing effort. Personal relevance may be of importance, because the motivation to fill the perceived information gap may be greater in situations with higher personal relevance. Self-efficacy refers to the notion that the individual expects to be able to cope with the risks adequately with the newly acquired information. The project will contribute to the theoretical development of the FRIS-model by studying the underlying concepts and their interrelations. The perceived information sufficiency, drawn from the heuristic-systematic model, is the core concept. It states that the individual searches for a balance between minimal effortful information processing and a desired level of judgmental confidence (Chaiken et al., 1989). Individuals are assumed to continue to actively engage in information processing until they have reached the depth or breadth of understanding that they perceive to be necessary. A perceived gap is associated with actively seeking additional information through the use of multiple information sources (Eagly & Chaiken, 1993). FRIS will help to understand what motivates people to seek out risk information on the digital maps. The post-doc project will link the FRIS-model with the concept of control mutuality. Control mutuality refers to equity in power. It is described as “the degree to which the parties in a relationship are satisfied with the amount of control they have over the relationship” (Grunig & Huang, 2002). The framework underlines that organisational, psychological and communication factors influence the achievement of control mutuality. It emphasizes the empowerment of community members (laymen) and other stakeholders in local decision making processes regarding external safety issues. Empowerment can be considered as enhancing proactive behaviours to matters of social policy and social change (Zimmermann & Rappaport, 1988). It includes personality-related, cognitive, motivational and contextual dimensions. Community empowerment means self- and political efficacy, perceived competence, locus of control and desire for control. Applied to the digital risk map, the framework of control mutuality suggests that the success of local risk communication interactions between citizens, governments, private companies and other stakeholders (NGOs, etc.) depends on the relationships on the local level. Methodology The PhD project will employ several research methodologies. In phase 1, an extensive literature research is executed and measurement instruments that will be applied in phases 2 en 3 of the PhD project are developed. The main concepts from the RISP model, the additional concepts trust, self-efficacy and personal relevance, as well as concepts relating to information processing in threatening circumstances, e.g. COPE, MMBS, PMPI, will be measured. We will statistically test the newly developed model with structural equation analysis (e.g. AMOS or LISREL). In phase 2 a survey is designed and fielded to measure the determinants of risk information sufficiency in the Dutch population. This survey will yield the data we need for statistical modelling of FRIS with structural equation models. The theoretical model produced in phase 2 is the basis for a social psychological experiment in phase 3. This experiment aims to confirm the predicted causal relations with respect to risk information sufficiency. The post-doc project will apply various methodologies. In phase 1 of the post-doc project an instrument will be developed and fielded, with respect to risk communication policies and other organisational variables in Dutch companies and government relevant to the external safety issue. In phase 2 cases of risk communication interactions between companies, local governments and citizens on the local level will be analysed along the concepts of risk information sufficiency and control mutuality and the implementation of the digital risk map. The understanding that the FRIS program will provide for individual risk information seeking and processing, and the monitoring of risk communication policies on external safety from the perspective of public participation and control mutuality, is of great importance to the further development and implementation of these policies by Dutch government, companies and other stakeholders. Both risk communication and external safety are priorities in Dutch policy. The May 2000 Enschede disaster has renewed their importance to policy makers in the various Dutch Ministries like VROM (environment), BZK (disaster management), VWS (health) and V&W (transport). The project will produce a plan for the implementation of the program’s results. This plan is aimed at governments and companies and comprises recommendations for the adoption and implementation of the digital risk map, in the light of the understanding of the citizen’s individual risk information seeking and processing and in the light of the findings of the risk communication monitor and the case studies. Two workshops will be organised with representatives from government (at all levels) and other relevant stakeholders to assess the plan’s feasibility. As part of the dissemination activities of the FRIS program a national symposium - embedded in the 2007 Annual Meeting of the Society for Risk Analysis-Europe – will be organised, aimed at policy makers and other stakeholders Scientific output The proposed framework of risk information sufficiency is characterized by a receiver-oriented approach. The implementation of the digital risk map marks a strategically important moment to update the traditional, sender-oriented risk communication research perspective. The currect project will deliver a PhD-thesis based on at least 3 journal articles on the FRIS-model. The model also offers possibilities for future studies. In addition, the project addresses the equally important process of risk communication implementation in the local community, and studies how local and provincial governments and the private sector incorporate the digital risk map in their risk communication strategies. A series of at least 2 journal articles by the post-doc on the implementation of risk communication policies by and within “risk owners” (companies, local, provincial and national governments) and the interaction between the individual citizen’s risk information sufficiency and control mutuality, and further dissemination activities will be employed directed at the academic world, stakeholders and the public as the organisation of a national symposium on risk communication (and external safety) Interface between science and policy The understanding that the FRIS program will provide for individual risk information seeking and processing, and the monitoring of risk communication policies on external safety from the perspective of public participation and control mutuality, is of great importance to the further development and implementation of these policies by Dutch government, companies and other stakeholders. Both risk communication and external safety are priorities in Dutch policy. The May 2000 Enschede disaster has renewed the importance of these questions and their possible answers to policy makers in the various Dutch Ministries like VROM (environment), BZK (disaster management), VWS (health) and V&W (transport). External safety is also an important focal point in the newly proposed government centre of expertise for risk and crisis communication (ERC). Once operational, the FRIS group and the ERC will work together (a first agreement on this cooperation has been reached). Part of the post-doc project will be to produce a plan for the implementation of the program’s results (that is both the results from the PhD project and the post-doc project). This implementation plan is aimed at governments and companies and comprises recommendations for the adoption and further implementation of the digital risk map, in the light of the understanding of the citizen’s individual risk information seeking and processing and in the light of the findings of the risk communication monitor and the case studies. As part of the implementation plan, two workshops will be organised with representatives from government (at all levels) and other relevant stakeholders to assess the plan’s feasibility. The input from the workshops will be used to complete the implementation plan. A national symposium aimed at policy makers and other stakeholders will be organised on external safety issues as part of the dissemination activities of the FRIS program (this national symposium will be incorporated in the 2007 Annual Meeting of the Society for Risk Analysis-Europe to be organised by the research team in the Netherlands). References Beerepoot, W., R. Levi, K. Schreurs, K. Verschueren, M. Kuttschreuter & J.M. Gutteling. De burger en de risicokaart: Gebruikerservaringen in Enschede drie jaar na de vuurwerkramp. Tijdschrift voor Communicatiewetenschap, 32 (4), 361-377. Chaiken, S., A. Liberman, & A. Eagly (1989). Heuristics and systematic processing within and beyond the persuasion context. In: J.S. Veleman & J.A. Bargh (Eds), Unintended thought (pp. 212-252). New York: Guilford. Eagly, A., & S.Chaiken (1993). The psychology of attitudes. San Diego, Ca.: Harcourt Brace. Griffin, R.J., S. Dunwoody, & K. Neuwirth (1999). Proposed model of the relationship of risk information seeking and processing to the development of preventive behaviors. Environmental research, 80, 230-245. Grunig, J.E. & Y.H. Huang (2002). The Effect of Relationships on Reputation and Reputation on Relationships: A Cognitive, Behavioral Study. Paper presented to the 5th Educator's Academy, Public Relations Society of America, Miami, FL. Gutteling, J.M. & O. Wiegman (1996). Exploring Risk Communication. Kluwer Academic Publishers. Slovic, P. (1993). Perceived risk, trust, and democracy. Risk Analysis, 13 (6), 675-682. Strating, M., G. van Beuningen, M. Kuttschreuter, & J. M. Gutteling. De risicokaart in ontwikkeling: een eerste evaluatie. Tijdschrift voor Veiligheid en Veiligheidszorg, 3 (1), 4-17. Trumbo, C.W., & K.A. McComas (2003). The function of credibility in information processing for risk perception. Risk Analysis, 23 (2), 343-353. Zimmerman, MA. & J. Rappaport (1988). Citizen Participation, perceived control and psychological empowerment, American Journal of Community Psychology, 16, p.725-750 Who is participating in this project? Program leader, other staff and participating institutes. Dr. Jan M. Gutteling 1) Drs. Ellen ter Huurne (PhD) 1) Drs. Zamira Gurabardhi (Post doc) 1) Prof. Dr. E.R. Seydel (UT, promotor) 1) Dr. M. Kuttschreuter (UT) 1) Dr. J.G. Post (RIVM) 2) 1) University of Twente, Faculty of Behavioural Sciences, Department of Communication Studies. 2) RIVM, Centre for External Safety Contact Dr. Jan M. Gutteling University of Twente Faculty of Behavioural Sciences, Department of Communication Studies. Po Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, Netherlands Phone: + 31 534 896 052 (secretary 4470) Fax: + 31 534 892 388 Email: j.m.gutteling@utwente.nl.