Developing a risk communication strategy | Resource Details | National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools

Developing a risk communication strategy

Smillie, L. & Blissett, A. (2010). A model for developing risk communication strategy. Journal of Risk Research, 13:1, 115-134.

Description

When risk needs to be communicated, there is potential for misinformation, misreporting and confusion. To prevent this, the authors propose a three-phase model for collaborative risk communication.

Communication of risk is a complex activity involving a variety of stakeholders, including the public, media, government, policy-makers and scientists, as well as industry and consumers. Using a collaborative approach, this model can help stakeholders to appraise a risk environment, as well as design and implement a risk communication strategy.

The authors propose a three-phase sequential process:

1) Risk appraisal
2) Situational analysis
3) Source analysis

Steps for Using Method/Tool

The model has three main phases, each of which is broken down into a series of questions designed to be answered as objectively as possible. Each question is further delineated with additional questions to help obtain the most complete assessment possible.

Phase One: Risk Appraisal

Using a series of questions under six key headings, this phase helps to provide an objective overview of the evidence-based facts to characterize the nature of the risk.

Phase Two: Situational Analysis

This phase involves a series of questions under six headings aimed at appraising the perception of the risk by an external audience. In other words, it asks how this risk would be viewed by the outside world.

Phase Three: Source Analysis

This final phase involves a series of questions, in six key categories, where those involved in risk communication conduct a self-analysis to situate themselves in relation to the issue.

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