ID: 1642
Presenting Author: Elshan Rustamov
Session: 688 - Fair Resettlement: Managing Stakeholder Expectations and Misinformation
Status: pending
Disinformation can spread quickly as people tend to believe negative information more than positive. This "Negativity bias" can affect resettlement planning and implementation. However, it can be seen
Many scientists claim that human beings tend to believe negative information more readily than positive, which is names as “negativity bias”. Therefore, misinformation about a project or its specific activities can spread quickly and may lead to trust issues. However, this bias can be considered as a diagnostic tool to identify and address trust deficits.
Disinformation particularly occurs when public consultations lack inclusivity and transparency.
In an era of rapid information dissemination through social media, meaningful consultations alongside effective grievance mechanisms are important to prevent and minimize misinformation. Additionally, if projects ensure that stakeholders, especially vulnerable and marginalized groups can get access to relevant information in a proper manner and be able to access project grievance mechanism, then responsiveness along with feedback loops may help smooth implementation of the project. Grievance and feedback mechanisms serve as solid domain for transparency and accountability. They actively manage to convert skepticism into genuine engagement.
If negativity bias is considered as a signal of gaps in consultation, participation and grievance management, projects can foster better outcomes in resettlement planning. Trust is built by responding to criticism with openness, clarity, and inclusive processes.
This paper discusses approaches and best practice cases for bridging the trust gap which is an essential step in the preparation and implementation of resettlement activities.
Elshan is a principal social consultant with 20 years’ global experience across sectors.