How Cultural Perceptions Influence Risk: A New Method for Identifying Cultural Risk

Abstract

This thesis explores the extent that cultural risk contributes to issues of risk and safety in the led outdoor activity (LOA) sector. The research component develops, applies, and tests a cultural filter to the Networked-Hazard Analysis Risk Management System (Net-HARMS), a risk assessment method underpinned by the systems thinking approach to accident causation. Findings suggest that cultural factors have an emergent effect on system behavior, and that task objects, communication, and the sector’s relationship with local people introduce cultural risks and allow them to persist. Validity testing confirmed a positive correlation between participants’ identifications and the control risk assessment data, and that the new method is accurate. Reliability testing indicated weaker agreement among participants’ risk identifications and pointed to usability issues, as well as the need for further testing and modification of the method. Usability was explored, and insight into the adoption and acceptance of new systems-based methods in the LOA sector are discussed.