It involves multiple messages about the nature of risk and other messages, not strictly about risk, that express concerns, opinions, or reactions to risk messages or to legal and institutional arrangements for risk management. The importance or risk communications transcends the risk-based decision making process, since the communications greatly affect the relationships between groups and overall trust in group members. Furthermore, risk communication provides a means for involving and informing stakeholders and the general public in the decision making process. As such, risk communication acts not only as a mechanism by which the decision making process obtains information, but also as a means to improve and strengthen group ties and thus their ability to work together effectively and efficiently. These principles are intended to ensure thorough communication between all affected parties.
Risk communication needs to be a planned process, targeted for the various audiences and situations.
Additionally, consideration of stakeholder and public perceptions should be made in order to address the often-varying levels of trust in the pertinent institutions. Closely related to this concept of openness is the need for balance. Finally, competence in risk communication must be continually sought and improved upon. Expert advice and assistance on communication issues can be requested from the support staff. No activity is risk free.