Transparency in decision-making processes governing hazardous activities

Birgitte Rasmussen, Karsten Klint Jensen, Peter Sandøe

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    1 Citation (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Transparent decisions are decisions in which the decision maker clearly presents to others the normative and factual premises behind the conclusions and explains the reasoning leading from these premises to the conclusion. Transparency thus involves uncovering, describing, documenting and communicating all the argumentative steps in the line of reasoning. It also involves acknowledging the weighting of any evidence drawn upon in reaching the final decision. It is recommended that each decision should be accompanied by an audit trail describing the premises justifying it. Uncertainties should be presented in connection with each possible adverse effect to indicate alternative scenarios to the most likely risk characterisation together with an evaluation of the reliability of each of the alternative scenarios. It is recommended that times and places for dialogue and participation be established. Transparency in this sense demands new efforts from the authorities and scientific advisors.

    Original languageEnglish
    JournalInternational Journal of Technology Policy and Management
    Volume7
    Issue number4
    Pages (from-to)422-438
    Number of pages17
    ISSN1468-4322
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2007

    Keywords

    • Former LIFE faculty
    • transparency
    • value premises
    • factual premises
    • decision making
    • risk assessment
    • advisory processes

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