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“Risk Is a Social Thing, Not Just a Mathematical Thing:” A Model for Stakeholder Engagement in Decision Making
Author(s) -
Poetz Anneliese
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
risk, hazards and crisis in public policy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.634
H-Index - 8
ISSN - 1944-4079
DOI - 10.1515/1944-4079.1105
Subject(s) - stakeholder , stakeholder engagement , stakeholder analysis , public relations , business , investment (military) , knowledge management , grounded theory , management science , political science , sociology , computer science , engineering , qualitative research , social science , politics , law
Abstract A practical model is needed for stakeholder engagement in decision making that involves risks to public safety. An effective model should be adaptable to contingencies and meet the needs of diverse stakeholders in a democratic setting. This paper presents a new model for stakeholder consultation and knowledge exchange that has been derived through the use of case study and grounded theory. Data were mainly comprised of 30 one‐on‐one interviews with stakeholders involved in the decision making processes for the re‐licensing of two nuclear power generation facilities in Ontario, Canada. The model is centered upon the importance of developing and maintaining quality relationships among stakeholders before, during, and after consultation, in part through active communication and conflict management through skilled facilitation. Also important are stakeholders' divergent perceptions about risk, and understanding of the risks associated with the decision to be made. The paper concludes with recommendations for policy and practice. Investment in a long‐term, relationship‐centred approach can enable future projects to remain on‐time and on‐budget.