ABSTRACT
This chapter takes an issues management perspective on risk management to explore the ethical responsibilities imposed by the impact of risk on organizations, publics, and on society. A perspective combining the disciplines of risk and crisis management, issues management, public relations, moral philosophy, and applied ethics is used to frame the discussion of ethical risk management and communication. The chapter first looks at the societal-level consequences of risk on publics and its ethical implications. The chapter then moves to a moral philosophy analysis of the ethical implications stemming from risk, and offers guidelines for risk management from Kantian deontological ethics. Ongoing, frequent communication is an essential component of risk communication in order to minimize uncertainty. Full disclosure of honest and accurate information can help build relationships and understanding in the risk communication context even when the information itself involves conflict or is not of a positive nature.
