Understanding the Long-Term Evolution of the Coupled Natural-Human Coastal System The Future of the U.S. Gulf Coast (2018) / Chapter Skim
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4 Barriers to Effective Communication Between Scientists and Stakeholders
4 Barriers to Effective Communication Between Scientists and Stakeholders
Pages 85-96
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From page 85... ...
In the Gulf Coast, stakeholders live in the region and maintain and contribute to the state of the coast, making decisions on a range of issues from coastal restoration to adaptation planning. Moreover, they are likely to be influenced by adaptation planning and management decisions (Alexander, 2013)
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From page 86... ...
and is sometimes mediated by a third party such as a boundary organization.2 In this chapter, boundary organizations are conceptualized broadly as playing an intermediary role between different disciplines and expertise, by facilitating relationships between information producers and users, and integrating user needs with the activities of information producers (Feldman and Ingram, 2009)
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From page 87... ...
For example, when communication occurs directly between scientists and stakeholders, scientists will tend to communicate the latest results that are usable and actionable by stakeholders, while stakeholders communicate their knowledge and understanding, which in turn informs and grounds scientific research. STAKEHOLDER PERSPECTIVE As has been mentioned in previous sections, the Gulf Coast is heavily influenced by the energy industry.
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From page 88... ...
This festival exemplifies the integral role that the energy industry plays in coupled natural-human systems in the northern Gulf of Mexico. SOURCE: Shrimp & Petroleum Festival.
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From page 89... ...
However, the deep historical linkages and dependencies between the energy industry and surrounding communities can create challenges for effective communication, especially regarding research needed to understand long-term physical changes along the Gulf Coast. For example, several authors have noted that people in Louisiana are simultaneously grateful to the energy industry for providing well-paying jobs in a region that has not always had a strong economy, while also being critical of the energy industry's role in wetland loss and environmental contamination (Theriot, 2014; Hochschild, 2016)
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From page 90... ...
Lack of expertise may also hamper stakeholder ability to use scientific information to make informed decisions even if they have access. Some stakeholders may not be able to easily discern trustworthy or credible sources, and thus may be ill-equipped to judge the quality of scientific research.
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From page 91... ...
Factors Contributing to Communication Success and Failure There are many modes of communication among scientists, practitioners, and the general public, ranging from preparing and sharing technical documents and convening outreach meetings to posting on social media and presenting educational displays in public spaces. Workshop participants expressed the view that communication success can be measured in a number of ways, including whether projects are supported by the larger constituency, even though some conflicts among the parties may exist; whether there is consensus among diverse groups (or at least mutual understanding of others' perspectives)
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From page 92... ...
Based on workshop and information-gathering meeting discussions, there appears to be limited information sharing between stakeholders and some parts of the private sector (most notably, the energy industry, although other sectors mentioned included the insurance and reinsurance industries, finance sector, and the military) on topics such as industry assets, risk mitigation and communication, and emergency planning.
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From page 93... ...
The first challenge is obtaining approval or acceptance from local- or state-level officials and community members to participate in community engagement, which, if achieved, can help community leaders see the value of engaging with boundary spanners or boundary organizations. The second challenge is establishing true two-way flows of information between scientists and stakeholders, especially if participants on either side hold more parochial perspectives about their roles and the provision of scientific information.
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From page 94... ...
Trust Trust and confidence may also limit effective communication between scientists and stakeholders. Research in risk communication suggests that trust (comprising perceived competence, objectivity, fairness, consistency, and faith)
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From page 95... ...
, and more established fields of participatory action research, citizen science, and coproduction offer suggestions for how to establish better communication among interested groups (e.g., Whyte, 1991; Hassol, 2008; Bonney et al., 2009; Silvertown, 2009; Dilling and Lemos, 2011; Somerville and Hassol, 2011)
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From page 96... ...
For traditional media, the presence of dedicated coastal reporters offers prospects for more communication. The cultural economy that exists across the Gulf Coast also offers opportunities to enhance communication concerning people and the landscape.
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