Ajia, F. orcid.org/0000-0003-3981-854X (2018) Examining adaptation using the Message-Actor-Channel (MAC) model of communicative water practices. Water Science and Technology: Water Supply, 18 (4). pp. 1318-1328. ISSN 1606-9749
Abstract
Water utilities rely on technological interventions to achieve household water efficiency. This practice is critiqued as seeking to appeal to the financial interests implied by people's role as customers rather than to achieve behavioural change in householders. A policy analysis reveals that although not prominently evidenced by some water utilities, public engagement is key to long-term demand reduction. This paper presents a systematic review of the demand management literature, specifically outlining key theoretical considerations for public engagement in relation to reducing water demand and their translation into practice in utilities. The aim is to demonstrate the use of a framework for examining engagement in utilities. Findings show that demand management interventions need to exploit: (1) effective frames for messages, (2) the diversity of the public, and (3) communication mediums that facilitate feedback. These insights informed the development of the MAC (Message Actor Channel) model of communicative water practices further used in this study to review public engagement plans for household water efficiency in selected UK water utilities based on processes described in their 2014 water resources management plans. Findings will inform the next stages of a doctoral study that will assess utilities' field engagement of households to reduce water use.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: | |
Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © IWA Publishing 2018. This is an author-produced version of a paper accepted for publication in Water Science and Technology. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Social Sciences (Sheffield) > Department of Urban Studies & Planning (Sheffield) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Sheffield |
Date Deposited: | 05 Mar 2018 13:04 |
Last Modified: | 08 Oct 2020 10:29 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | IWA Publishing |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.2166/ws.2017.200 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:128016 |