ABSTRACT

One of the most important components of any environmental risk management strategy is the definition and control of organizational communications methods. Regardless of the actual risks posed by a business’s activities, it is the stakeholder perceptions of these risks that can mean the success or failure of the environmental management system. These risk perceptions, which drive community and public interest group activities, can only be managed effectively by a clearly defined set of communications principles, procedures, and goals. Thus, management must develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with the business’s environmental policy, impacts, and regulatory requirements.