Countering the Loading-Dock Approach to Linking Science and Decision Making: Comparative Analysis of El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Forecasting Systems

This article provides a comparative institutional analysis between El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) forecasting systems in the Pacific and southern Africa with a focus on how scientific information is connected to the decision-making process. With billions of dollars in infrastructure and private...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Science, technology, & human values technology, & human values, 2006-07, Vol.31 (4), p.465-494
Main Authors: Cash, David W., Borck, Jonathan C., Patt, Anthony G.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Comparative analysis
Data collection
Decision Making
Forecasting
Forecasts
Institutions
Knowledge management
Natural Environment
Policy
Public policy
Science
Science and technology
Weather forecasting
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Summary:This article provides a comparative institutional analysis between El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) forecasting systems in the Pacific and southern Africa with a focus on how scientific information is connected to the decision-making process. With billions of dollars in infrastructure and private property and human health and well-being at risk during ENSO events, forecasting systems have begun to be embraced by managers and firms at multiple levels. The study suggests that such systems need to consciously support the coproduction of knowledge. A critical component of such coproduction seems to be managing the boundaries between science and policy and across disciplines, scale, and knowledges to create information that is salient, credible, and legitimate to multiple audiences. This research suggests institutional mechanisms that appear to be useful in managing such boundaries, including mechanisms for structuring convening, translation, collaboration, and mediation functions.
ISSN:0162-2439
1552-8251
DOI:10.1177/0162243906287547