Preparing for the worst: public perceptions of risk management innovations |
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| Authors: | Brooke Fisher Liu Holly Roberts Elizabeth L Petrun Sayers Gary Ackerman Daniel Smith Irina Iles |
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| Institution: | 1. University of Maryland, Risk Communication &2. Resilience Program at the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START), College Park, MD, USA;3. Risk Communication &4. Resilience Program Manager and Researcher, START, College Park, MD, USA;5. Resilience Program, START, College Park, MD, USA;6. Unconventional Weapons and Technology Division, START, College Park, MD, USA;7. Department of Communication, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA |
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| Abstract: | Scholars often call for research on the public’s involvement in crisis and risk mitigation. Yet, before the public can be persuaded to become involved in new mitigation initiatives, risk managers must first understand how members of the public perceive such initiatives. Grounded in diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory, this study presents insights from 70 adult residents of a US urban metro area through focus group research. Findings yield insights about public perceptions of risk management innovations including that ‘greater good’ incentives can motivate interest in innovations (more so than financial incentives), thereby extending DOI theory. In addition, participants suggested mechanisms for facilitating government transparency to encourage program participation, along with additional insights about involving the public in government-sponsored risk management innovations. |
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| Keywords: | communication disaster preparation radiation detector risk |
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