Product details

By continuing to use our site you consent to the use of cookies as described in our privacy policy unless you have disabled them.
You can change your cookie settings at any time but parts of our site will not function correctly without them.
Management article
-
Reference no. 90105
Published by: Harvard Business Publishing
Published in: "Harvard Business Review", 1990

Abstract

Roughly 3,500 people were advised to relocate after the Three Mile Island emergency. Instead, some 200,000 fled. This response illustrates a growing fear of toxic disaster. People find radiation and toxic substances more threatening than most natural hazards and nontoxic technological hazards. And because toxics are the product of human hands, their release seems a betrayal. Experts say that over time, people will accept toxic dangers. Managers should educate the public about toxic dangers as well as commiserate with its fears. This will prevent lawsuits and the growth of an antitechnology political movement.

About

Abstract

Roughly 3,500 people were advised to relocate after the Three Mile Island emergency. Instead, some 200,000 fled. This response illustrates a growing fear of toxic disaster. People find radiation and toxic substances more threatening than most natural hazards and nontoxic technological hazards. And because toxics are the product of human hands, their release seems a betrayal. Experts say that over time, people will accept toxic dangers. Managers should educate the public about toxic dangers as well as commiserate with its fears. This will prevent lawsuits and the growth of an antitechnology political movement.

Related