Risk and Technological Advancements

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Technology and Transformation
Understanding and Measuring Risk
Managing Risk
Theories about Risk
Sources of Information about Risk
Examples of Risky Undertakings and their Dangers to Humanity
Conclusion
Works Cited

Introduction

Technology may refer to the understanding and tools that can allow men and women to modify available resources into a usable form. Although there are a number of technological changes that have resulted from simply modifying the existing ones, new technological innovations can also be seen all over the world (Kendall 58).

In the last 150 years, the rate at which technological changes take place has increased quite significantly. Major changes are noticeable in the world of computing where new discoveries may occur almost every day (Kendall 58).

In a study done by Arnoldi, risk only became a subject of concern to nations when it became apparent that technological changes were beginning to cause a lot of havoc in the lives of people (3). The use of risky chemicals has ended up harming the health of those using them to carry out their farming activities. It is such threats to human life that have made men and women realize the importance of addressing the issue of risk (Arnoldi 3).

Swift and Callahan, however, note that even though science and technology are blamed for being the genesis of so many risky situations, they are the best tools that we can use to tackle the emerging risks of technology (27). Edwards and Bowen also argue that what might appear as a risk to people may just be a profitable opportunity that can alter people’s fortunes. A point in case is what takes place at the stock market.

Although stock market activities are characterized with fluctuations that occur from time to time presenting us with periods of huge loses, a careful analysis will show that the resultant risks are addressed with the correct attitude, these periods may end up being great opportunities that will later benefit people. Courageous traders are known to relax and wait to see prices change to their benefit (11).

Technology and Transformation

Beyond any doubt, progress in the use of technological has radically transformed the way human beings live and interact with one another. One major effect of technological advancements that is well known to most people is globalization; the process of integrating activities of men and women taking place in different parts of the globe. With nations now operating as though no boundaries existed between them, it is now possible for many to realize their dreams so easily.

International trade has been reinforced allowing business people to sell their products to a much wider market than before. The communication industry has also undergone drastic changes enabling people to reach others cheaply and very fast. Researchers can now share and also receive huge chunks of information electronically. People are now able to live much longer, thanks to discoveries in the medical world that have made this possible.

Although the advances in various sectors have brought about improved services and in some instance seen a huge reduction in the presence of risks, new forms of risk are now here to haunt man. Lack of proper waste management systems, the increased use of genetically modified foods, and green house emissions are some of the risks that have to be dealt with (Ropeik & Gray 1).

Besides having positively impacted the society, the world of technology has come with its own share of perils which are now causing fear and anxiety in the society. Planned attacks by gangsters, climate change and moral decay are also part of the challenges that have to be tackled.

Over the years, discussions about risk have led to plenty of disagreements both in the political and social arenas (Borodzicz 1). Today, risk is seen to affect all areas of the economy with no exception. Human activities such as industrialization and deforestation have been blamed for the devastating effects of climate change that are posing a major risk to the existence of humanity.

The health sector has also not been left behind. Outbreaks ranging from HIV/AIDS to H1N1 are slowing down progress in key sectors of the economy. Despite all these happening, discussions on the topic of risk are still considered to be less developed (Borodzicz 1).

Not so long ago, there existed very little connection between security and crime. With recent developments that have resulted in scores of people losing their lives, stakeholders are compelled to go back to the drawing board and come up with better strategies of handling security risk at all levels.

This was accelerated by the 9/11 and the London railway terrorist attacks which also led to massive loss of lives (Zedner et al 200-14). Zedner also argues that since our lives are controlled by security to a great extent, managing security should also be a very important undertaking for all (Zedner et al 200-14).

Cultural changes have also been encountered as a result of technological transformations throughout the world. It has, however, been observed that various components of culture do not change at the same pace. Whenever a change happens in the material culture of a society for example, the non-material culture must also follow suit and change accordingly (Kendall 58).

Understanding and Measuring Risk

Despite the fact that one will encounter so many contradictions when trying to define what risk really is, a popular belief held by many is that risk is the probability of experiencing loss or injury of some sort. Risk is also defined as the uncertainty which exists about the end result of an event (Figlewski & Levich 4). It is the assumption that something, usually bad, could happen. To be complete, the definition of risk must include the presence of a hazard which is seen as the expected negative outcome of the risk (Ropeik & Gray 4).

Cohrssen and Covello also define risk as being the possibility that one will suffer from a hazard (7). Faced with risk, most of us begin to worry and make plans while thinking about what might probably be the end result of an event (Karen Marilyn 19). Studies have shown that due to globalization, many risks are shared by all throughout the world. While some of the risks are considered new there are others that have been in existence for a very long time (Ale, 1).

Disease outbreaks for example have been a part of the society for ages and immensely threaten the existence of mankind. Although the move in technological advances has led to increased risk in different parts of the world, other observations very clearly show that the increase is quite high in the industrialized world (Burger 1). Bouchet, Clark and Groslambert also noted that the risks that are faced by different countries never took center stage for a very a long time until recently (ix).

Based on experience and viewpoint, people will have different understandings of risk. Adams states that we all develop skills of dealing with risk right from childhood. Through experimentation, children come across so many situations as they begin to learn how to crawl and later walk and talk.

Unaware of the risks involved and completely unsure of what to expect, they make decisions and move on (1). Confusion and differences in opinion between governments, industries, communities and campaign groups are considered to be a result of the way different people will attempt to explain what risk is (Adams 1). Our own individual perceptions about risk may also negatively influence us to make decisions that could be totally wrong.

In most parts of Africa for example, many people consider the harsh realities of climate change to be a demonstration of God’s anger towards mankind whereas the truth is that changes in climate are mainly due to the destructive activities of man. Personal views will also dictate how different people will react to situations given the same conditions. If felling down trees in the forest for instance is perceived to bring about drought, the reaction by a farmer in the country side will completely differ from that of a person living in the city.

While the farmer might see a threat to his or her livelihood, the city resident will probably not even be moved by the pronouncement. Ropeik and Gray also argue that the way we behave in the face of risk is determined by how we recognize and respond to dangerous situations (2).

According to Arnoldi, people are exposed to so many risks that are little known to them. Arnoldi places the onus on scientists who through research have a key role to play in ensuring that lay people are made aware of the different risks that man is faced with (3). Based on the nature of risk under consideration, individuals have been seen to respond differently and researchers in various fields have also come up with a number of parameters seen to influence the way people will perceive risk (Cohrssen & Covello 9).

Although it is quite difficult to tell what is bound to happen in the future, there is an argument that financial risk as a result of uncertainty can be easily controlled. As opposed to the earlier economies, it is now easier to identify risk in newer economies (Crouhy, Galai & Mark 1).

Several approaches can be adopted when it comes to measuring risk. Karen and Marilyn argue that risk is measured based on the information passed to us either through the media or experts, on the possibility of risks occurring (19).

Scientists on the other hand are found to give measurements that are informed by research they carry out. Das argues that without having an elaborate means of measurement, the management of risk cannot be effective achieved (505). The process of controlling risk in organizations therefore presumes that such a mechanism exists.

A study by Ricci indicates that risk can be measured by considering the probability of an outcome of some specified magnitude (18). Among others, he explains that the components of risk management will include; identifying the hazard, assessing the level of exposure to risk, and risk management actions (19).

Managing Risk

Das defines risk management as the act of identifying and putting an actual figure on risk (505). In the recent past, the subject of risk management has gained a lot of importance and is considered to be very critical to sound financial management (Das 3).

To a very large extent, the management of risk will differ from one organization o another and this is determined by what the organization has chosen decide will be an acceptable level of risk. Risk management is recognized by many as the force driving the business world today (Crouhy, Galai & Mark 1). A common trend these days, is to address risk through the help of specialized research work. Statistical approaches are now being supplemented by works of research in the economic sector (Luhmann & Barrett).

Bernstein argues that the capacity to manage risk and the desire to take risk and make decisions to forge ahead form the main foundation of a growing economy (3). According to Borge’s arguement, the main reason as to why people will embark on managing risk is not to merely find the reason for what happened in the past but to ensure a secure future (6). People are known to react differently in the face of surprises and this also applies to the management of risk in different areas.

If one is considered a fatalist, he or she may assume a surrendered attitude and will simply agree to deal with things as they. A fatalist will go with the flow of events and will spend time worrying about what is to come. Fanatics on the other hand have a tendency to face the future with a lot of certainty and with a strong belief that things will turn out for them as they expect. Others, however, like to take a much more practical attitude when dealing with uncertain situations.

According to scientists, for example, uncertainties in life are due to ignorance (Borge 7). A very good example is the belief held by most people in Africa about the biting effects of climate change. Most strongly believe that it is an act of God and lay no blame on human beings. An environmentalist on the other hand, well informed by his or her research work, will seek to explain the actual problem by pointing out that man’s activities have played a big role in messing up the environment.

According to Cohrssen and Covello, people will make use of what is generated through the processes of identifying or assessing risk together with other available information to decide on the approach that should be taken to eliminate or reduce risk (8).

Teaf, Yessekin and Khankhasaev argue that for effective evaluation of the environment, risk assessment, risk management and risk communication must all be taken into consideration (1). The ultimate goal of risk management is seen to be the protection of both public health and the environment. A variety of techniques may be used to achieve this (Teaf, Yessekin and Khankhasaev 6).

A study by Linkov and Ramadan shows that there are two different outlooks that contribute to the management of risk. First, there is the economic concern that will prompt us to want to measure the expected utility instead of looking at the likely consequence. Later, we get to weigh both the risks and the probable benefits.

The other viewpoint is the based on psychological considerations. This takes into account the fact that risk is multidimensional and it goes ahead to emphasize that we have to make use of tactics that will direct us to act in a different way than is expected by public (4).

Theories about Risk

There are several theories that exist regarding risk. Besides theories presented by Mary Douglas, Ulrich Beck, and Governmentality, which are seen as being dominant in the study about risk, other theories have also been fronted by the likes of Niklas Luhnmann and Anthony Giddens (Arnoldi 62).

In collaboration with several others, Mary Douglas came up with what is referred to as the cultural theory of risk. Her work was inspired by the structures that exist in all cultures. She uses her background as an anthropologist to explain the concept of risk. According to Douglas, every culture has its own good and bad. Douglas also notes that while what is considered good or bad varies from culture to culture, clear differences of these two can be noticed in all cultures (Arnoldi 38).

Douglas’ theories are very much in line with how men and women will view risk. Many people seem to understand risk from what their culture teaches. The many customs that exist in Africa today can help to explain this concept clearly. Fear of the dead for example has forced quite a number of people to get involved in activities that are meant to “cleanse them”. Serious cultural fanatics will get affected when they do not do what their culture requires of them.

In his theory, Beck first draws a distinction between industrial and society risks. He then goes on to argue that a wide range of risks such as climate change that are considered to be the result of technological advances are very vital when it comes to defining the risk society (Arnoldi 46). Here, Beck also points out the fact the damage may not be seen immediately and it may take a very long time for the effects to be felt.

Foucault makes use of the term governmentality so as to reveal the changes in the nature of government (Arnoldi 53). Foucault was driven into action by the gradual development seen in the new way of governing. Arnoldi also argues that in line with Douglas’ study, risks are to be potential eternal dangers to the society. Under governmentality, risks provide a means to make the social environment, a field that will create room for governments to intervene (58).

Looking at the above discussion on theories, we can conclude that while many people may relate quite well with Douglas’ cultural risk theory, the other two theories by Beck and Foucault may be a bit complex for the common man to understand. As people get to concentrate more on planning for the future, traditions as well as vital relationships that sustained the society in the past get eroded (Swift & Callahan 22).

Sources of Information about Risk

There are a number of credible sources of information about the subject of risk. In the study undertaken by Ropeik and Gray, science is considered to be a major source of information about risk though coupled with a lot of uncertainty (8). In spite of the doubts that exist, history shows that the results of scientific research can be very reliable. Without the intensive work of research done by scientists, it would be a nightmare for people to determine what risks they face.

Scientist’s activities help so much in opening people’s eyes to the effects of risk as brought about by technological advances. Though affected by some level of propaganda, the media is another reliable source of information about risk. The success of the media is greatly enhanced by the fact that most of the time, information is presented backed by real life situations and these drive their message home very well.

Watching television for example, one is able to receive information about different occurrences as they actually happened. We get to see the so many dangers that face all of us such as road accidents, drought, armed robberies, terrorist attacks, and human trafficking, to name but a few. Through the media, for example, we are made aware of incidences taking placed all over the world including earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados and disease outbreaks among others.

With this very important information being available, one can make then make decisions that will that help them stay away from any form of trouble unless it cannot be avoidable.

Examples of Risky Undertakings and their Dangers to Humanity

There are a number of activities that human beings engage in and these expose them to serious risks. As human beings go about their day to day business looking for means to survive, they are often faced with all forms of risk. While some of these risks are as a matter of choice and can therefore be avoided, there are others that have to be done for one to survive (Beck 19).

In a case where one has to eat, there is no opting out of an activity because of the risk involved. In the olden days men will go out hunting for game meat oblivious of the fact that they might be attacked by ferocious animals (Ale 3). Again, all because of wanting to make ends meet, most people in the developing nations have engaged in mining of natural resources.

By so doing, they have exposed themselves to serious risks and quite a number have lost lives. This situation is worsened by poverty and high levels of unemployment that leave people with no option but to overlook the dangers associate with these activities.

We are all familiar with the devastating effects of the HIV/AIDS outburst that has claimed millions of lives already. This is a major concern to many economies and governments are forced to spend millions of dollars to deal with the repercussions. Employers have also lost so many valuable employees to this scourge. Many parents have succumbed to death because of HIV/AIDS and this has seen the number of orphans across the globe swell.

Given that many organizations are now offering expensive trainings to equip their employees, the loss of a single employee is deemed to be very expensive. Even though stakeholders are working so hard to mitigate the effects of HIV/AIDS, the fight against the pandemic is far from over. New infections are still being recorded and with the high level of poverty in the developing nations, people will tend to do anything just to survive.

Perhaps the worst cases are those involving terrorists’ attacks. Globally, thousands of people have lost their lives through acts of terrorism. This has seen different nations turn to commercial policing so as to ensure that they will be able to get to the root of the problem.

Hamilton argues that although watchmen were forced to join this band wagon, private policing turned out to be such a brilliant idea and was embraced by several countries (141). Similarly Britain and other parts of the European world have resorted to commercial forms of policing so as to deal with challenges that face them (Johnston 123 – 134).

A study by Arnoldi shows the heavy use of pesticides in farming as one of the side effects of technology and using the pesticides exposes human beings to grave dangers (3).

Conclusion

Following from this discussion it is very clear that we are certainly living in a world that is more dangerous than before. Though technological advancements have resulted into improved ways of living, this is has been accompanied with major risks to humanity. The issue of climate change is a man made disaster that is slowly eating us up and threatens to disturb life in the long run.

Industrial activities especially in the developed nations are creating huge deposits of green house emissions into the sky that are responsible of global warming. Criminals are now also able to plan and successful executed their wicked schemes to harm others making life almost impossible.

In the words of Beck, we actually are living in a world where no one is truly in-charge. We are all tossed back and forth with uncertainties that make it so hard to make decisions.

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