Understanding Organizational and Industrial Risk. from Environment to Territory

In this communication, we will return to the notion of organizational risk and its management, particularly for industries. We’d want to show that their genesis must not focus solely on the socio-technical systems internal to industries but must be linked to external organizations. It is therefore necessary to take into account the perceptions, interests, and strategies of other organizations such as political systems, residents' associations, and public forces in the territories bordering industries. To illustrate these ideas, the communication will present several empirical cases, particularly from the operation of hydroelectric power plants. It will show that understanding the origin of accidents and the evolution of risk management must decline a generic analysis combining a micro-social dimension highlighting the experience of risks and the personal knowledge of local residents, a meso-social dimension taking into account the role of associative communities of practice, and a macro-social dimension taking into account the actions and strategies of elected politicians and public forces. Although informed and aware, local residents agree to face risks, transgress prohibitions and cause incidents that will change the management of industrial risks. This management will not be effective if it excludes local residents from certain areas and does not recognize the legitimacy of their practices. In conclusion, the contribution will propose a discussion on the articulation between environment and industrial risk. More than environment, it is necessary to use the notion of territory which highlights more the importance of the history and strategic political actions of the actors.