Power abuse and communication

One of the most noteworthy aspects of power abuse, besides the neglect of safety measures, is in the way in which information is communicated to affected communities and other stakeholders. This is the arena of “cover-ups” in all its forms of, for example, collusion, withholding information, lying, and delaying communication. The BP Deepwater oil spill in 2010, as an example, broke records in the extent of the spill, but also in the fines and criminal charges brought against a company, for negligence and reckless conduct, including lying to the US Congress. These included costs and fines amounting to more than $50 billion, four years of government monitoring, and manslaughter and misdemeanour charges.

Note: See source document for full reference.

Cultural Factors: Communication, Rule of law

Hazards: Man-made non-intentional hazards or emergency situations

Disaster Phases: Response

Types of Actors Concerned: Entrepreneurs, Government, Local authorities, Non-active citizens

Recommendations:

• Limit cases of power abuse by protecting whistle-blowers and encouraging the formation of advocacy and/or pressure groups