Onderzoeksartikel

De inzet van maatschappelijke organisaties bij de communicatie over loodhoudend drinkwater

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Abstract

Lead in drinking water has detrimental effects on the body of young infants. Since 1998, the Ministry of the Environment communicates this risk to parents and caretakers of infants through intermediary organizations, operating at a national, regional or local level. This multi-method study focuses on the effectiveness of this approach. A series of interviews with representatives of intermediary organizations gives insight in the dimensions and quality of the communication process. A telephone survey with approximately 600 parents/caretakers of infants learns whether the information on the risks reached them. The survey results indicated that many people felt the need for more information about this risk. Approximately two thirds of the parents said they were insufficiently informed. The intermediary organizations had a relatively low impact on the target group. More frequently, parents indicated to have been informed by the media. The interviews with the organizations indicated that this can be attributed to the manner the government approached the organizations to gain their cooperation, the level of support within the intermediary organizations for their communication role considering their existing communication policies, and their assessment of the importance of the risk issue.

How to Cite:

Harmsen, F., Woudenberg, F., Elsman-Domburg, L. & Gutteling, J., (2003) “De inzet van maatschappelijke organisaties bij de communicatie over loodhoudend drinkwater”, Tijdschrift voor Communicatiewetenschap 31(3), 227–244.