No abstract

Preliminary studies indicate that Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) may not be providing people with the water quality information that they want and can understand. Studies of risk perception and communication suggest that CCRs could be more effective if water suppliers asked their customers about their concerns before issuing a CCR and were allowed to respond to them in the report. The author proposes that rather than continue with the one‐way communication supported by the CCR, utilities should routinely engage their customers in a dialogue about customer questions and concerns. Perceptions of risk, particularly from taste and odor problems, cannot be dismissed. Individuals' perceptions of risk are influenced more by what they experience than by what utility personnel or CCRs tell them. Addressing taste and odor problems through voluntary self‐assessment and improved treatment and distribution will help utilities reduce the public's perception of risk and build the trust that is essential to communicating effectively with their customers. Historically, water providers have not placed a priority on creating regular opportunities for communication with consumers. Ongoing dialogue, however, is useful for both utilities and their customers because it can clarify misunderstandings, allow for feedback, and communicate important information. Many utilities have valid concerns about the efficacy of the CCR. This article offers guidelines for turning the CCR into a vehicle for gaining support and educating consumers, effectively improving the process without necessitating revision of the CCR regulations.

Biopolitics applies methodology from the life sciences to study human behavior and policy related to living things. Although Gulick introduced the concept to public administration more than 25 years ago, it remains nearly absent in the public administration literature. This article reintroduces the origin, concepts, and methodology of biopolitics and explores its application to public administration but also suggests that a public administration perspective would be a valuable contribution in return.

Many nonprofits assist in emergency response

This story of a Fulbright scholar's experience is designed to help future Fulbrighters and those interested in teaching in more culturally diverse environments. Although each Fulbright teaching experience is unique, the majority of challenging situations can be resolved by adequate preparation before the assignment and by the willingness to be flexible once abroad. This article provides guidance for those contemplating applying for a Fulbright, preparing to teach abroad, living and teaching in another culture, and strategies for teaching cross-cultural competence without going abroad.The fact that more universities are active in global alliances and more faculty are traveling abroad to enrich their career portfolios makes the specific case of the management educator as expatriate timely and appropriate. This is especially