Organized Science Denial: An Action Plan for Solutions

Science denialism - fuelled by mis/disinformation - is a global existential crisis that erodes social cohesion and our collective capacity to confront crises like climate change, transform energy systems, and curtail pandemics. Despite scientific breakthroughs, denialism appears to be not only persisting, but accelerating. Research on the causes, consequences, and cures most often focus on individual-level denial. Yet science denialism is not exclusively caused by individuals’ biases or lack of knowledge, which is addressed with more/better education, but also by other more contextual causes. Thus, even if we could talk to one person at a time, we will never reverse this denialist tide. Missing is a systematic examination of the role that organizations play for diagnosing the sources and levels of science denialism, understanding the tactics used, and strategizing effective solutions.

Organized Science Denial addresses these urgent questions: Why and how do doubts in science persist in society? What is the role of organizations and institutions in science denialism? And which strategies can organizations implement to effectively mitigate this global and collective issue? To answer these questions, the editors bring insights on science denialism from an array of internationally renowned management scholars. The book leverages socio-psychological and organizational theories, examines the roles of organizations and institutions in both perpetuating and combating denialism, and creates innovative solutions.

Elena Bruni, Assistant Professor, LUISS Guido Carli, Rome, Lianne M. Lefsrud, Professor and Risk, Innovation, and Sustainability Chair, RISC

Dr. Elena Bruni is an Assistant Professor at LUISS Guido Carli University in Rome, Italy. Her research examines linguistic and multimodal rhetorical processes in driving institutional change and developing theory. Her setting of studies has ranged from exploring creative settings to the transition from traditional media to social platforms. Recently, she has focused on broader societal phenomena, such as the rhetoric of vaccination hesitancy and questionable ethical practices. She has received several awards, including second runner-up for a symposium at the Academy of Management conference (2021), and has secured research funding totalling over 500,000.

Dr. Lianne Lefsrud is the Risk, Innovation, and Sustainability Chair (RISC) and Professor, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta. Her research asks: How can management systems be enhanced so organizations are better equipped to recognize, understand, and respond to unforeseen events and manage risks? She develops enhanced methods of hazard identification; risk management, evaluation, and communication; and drivers of technology adoption. Her research has resulted in ＄12+ million of research grants and the supervision of 100+ grad and undergrad students who have won awards including Fulbright, Aga Khan, and National Geographic.