ABSTRACT
The organizational literature on risk management conceptualizes risk as a phenomenon, which is objectively analyzable and manageable. Accordingly, any accident, disaster, or crisis risk seems to have a single universal nature, which can be understood by risk experts. Criticizing this risk conceptualization of the literature, this study argues that risk might be differently interpreted and experienced by various social groups. Risk has a local character revealed in the experiences and relationships of individuals and social groups and in their perspectives, which are shaped by those experiences and relationships. This local character is of central importance for the effectiveness of risk management. But, it becomes blurred when the process of analyzing risk is monopolized by risk experts, excluding the participation of local actors and citizens. Therefore, this study emphasizes the local experience of risk and the role of local perspectives in risk management by analyzing the views of the participants in a public hearing on the risks of an oil well, which contains highly toxic gas and is planned to build in a residential area, and related measures