The Distinction Between Risk and Hazard: Understanding and Use in Stakeholder Communication

Abstract

A major issue in all risk communication efforts is the distinction between the terms "risk" and "hazard." The potential to harm a target such as human health or the environment is normally defined as a hazard, whereas risk also encompasses the probability of exposure and the extent of damage. What can be observed again and again in risk communication processes are misunderstandings and communication gaps related to these crucial terms. We asked a sample of 53 experts from public authorities, business and industry, and environmental and consumer organizations in Germany to outline their understanding and use of these terms using both the methods of expert interviews and focus groups. The empirical study made clear that the terms risk and hazard are perceived and used very differently in risk communication depending on the perspective of the stakeholders. Several factors can be identified, such as responsibility for hazard avoidance, economic interest, or a watchdog role. Thus, communication gaps can be reduced to a four-fold problem matrix comprising a semantic, conceptual, strategic, and control problem. The empirical study made clear that risks and hazards are perceived very differently depending on the stakeholders' perspective. Their own worldviews played a major role in their specific use of the two terms hazards and risks in communication.

Breaking Down Uncertain Risks for Risk Communication: A Conceptual Review of the Environmental Health Literature

“…Taken together, these considerations advocate for judicious, specific, and unambiguous communication through objective scientific-technical information (Scheer et al, 2014). When knowledge about risks is sparse (e.g., in the case of newly engineered nanomaterials) or controversial (e.g., in the case of endocrine disrupters) scientists may not know or agree on the existence, nature, or consequences of risks.…”

“…Therefore, communication statements about uncertain risks such as "the risk is still uncertain" include "double uncertainties" that can cause a conceptual and semantic problem for risk communication. Different societal groups (e.g., scientists, policymakers, or the general public) may interpret these statements differently and may focus on different aspects of risk in their own communications (Blair, Weible, Heikkila, & McCormack, 2015;Scheer et al, 2014). Communication of uncertainty can also be used as a strategy toward influencing public policy (Friedman, Dunwoody, & Rogers, 1999;Bailey, Giangola, & Boykoff, 2014;Blair, Heikkila, & Weible, 2016) In light of the current research, statements like "the risk is uncertain" and "a risk cannot be excluded" can, for example, be used as an argument to reject policy action as well as to demand policy action.…”

Illustrating Conflicts among Project Stakeholders in Sustainable Project Management

“…In this context, a stakeholder is someone affected by a project and having a right to influence its outcome by any means (Cobb, 2012). Bourne & Walker (2005) have argued that successful completion of project deliverables is critically dependent on the need to achieve the project objectives that fully address stakeholder expectations all through the project lifecycle, whereas stakeholders are also considered asset to the project resource-base (Retolaza et al, 2014;Scheer et al, 2014;Yang et al, 2014). However, conflicting range of needs and wishes among the project stakeholders is proved to be a fundamental challenge for the project managers (Adderley & Mellor, 2014;Alladi & Vadari, 2011).…”

An integrated theoretical framework to enhance resource efficiency, sustainability and human health in agri-food systems

“…Studies adopting institutional theory show that information is understood differently according to professional norms (Dimaggio and Powell, 1983), and therefore, conflicts arise from completely different interpretations of the same facts between various stakeholder groups (Scheer et al, 2014). Institutional decoupling theory argues that institutional actors adopt heterogeneous information communication strategies (Meyer and Rowan, 1977).…”

“…Institutional decoupling theory argues that institutional actors adopt heterogeneous information communication strategies (Meyer and Rowan, 1977). For instance, industry interprets risks against the backdrop of marketing and statutory regulations and use risk communication as a type of calming strategy (Scheer et al, 2014).…”