Barriers to Risk Communication Evaluation

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(Arkin 1991)

Every program manager faces constraints to undertaking optimal evaluation tasks, just as there are constraints to designing other aspects of a risk communication program.

These constraints may include the following:

• limited funds
• limited staff time and capabilities
• length of time allotted to the program
• limited access to computer facilities
• agency restrictions to hiring consultants or contractors
• policies limiting the ability to gather information from the public
• management perceptions regarding the value of evaluation
• levels of management support for well designed evaluation activities
• difficulties in defining (or establishing) agency consensus regarding the objectives of the program
• difficulties in designing appropriate measures for risk communication programs
• difficulties in separating the effects of program influences from other influences on the target audience in "real world" situations.

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