A hierarchical structure benefits security officials
Researchers have examined how municipal staff working in security and communication collaborate. The results show that interaction between the two professional groups is limited, and that communication officers have less influence.
Swedish municipalities’ risk communication with citizens is based on the legally mandated Risk and Vulnerability Analysis (RSA). Researchers have compared how staff in municipal preparedness and security departments, versus those in communication departments, view risk communication efforts.
The results show that interaction between these professional groups is limited. Furthermore, the hierarchical structure benefits security officials and restricts the influence of communication officers.
This affects not only how municipalities communicate risks, but also how they make use of the RSA process. Future research should prioritize efforts to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical implementation in order to strengthen crisis preparedness.