The effect of risk communication on the acceptance of policies for high-risk facilities in South Korea: with particular focus on the mediating effects of risk perception

Abstract

Continuous technological development has resulted in a new type of risk to human lives: what is now regarded as “socially created risk.” Ideas on risk have increasingly focused on subjective, rather than objective, risk. This shift is clearly observable in the case of location policies for nuclear energy facilities. The South Korean public is often suspicious of new energy facilities; for example, in the case of nuclear power, they are suspicious of the risk of involuntary exposure to dangerous radiation, which cannot be effectively controlled. Therefore, the South Korean government is continuously discussing how to increase the acceptance of such high-risk facilities by managing the public’s risk perceptions. The research question was as follows: “Does the Korean government’s risk communication strategy have a positive impact on the public’s risk perceptions and acceptance of policies?” This study analyzed whether communicating risks helps boost public acceptance of high-risk facilities. A structural equation model and multiple group analyses were used for empirical analysis. The study explores government perspectives in terms of insecurity and conflict caused by scientific advancements, and uncertain public perceptions of high-risk facilities such as nuclear power plants. It provides empirical results regarding risk communication and implications for public policy that decrease risk perception and increase the acceptance of such policies. Points for practitioners This study analyzes whether risk communication can solve the problem of low public acceptance of high-risk facilities, based on their risk perception. As a result, this study contributes to policy implications regarding risk communication as a way to control risk perception and increase policy acceptance. In particular, it is critical to develop strategies for risk communication in which the public shares the decision-making process with governmental bodies and energy providers.