The Risky Shift Phenomenon: What Is It, Why Does It Occur and What are the Implications for Outdoor Recreationists?

The Risky Shift Phenomenon: What Is It, Why Does It Occur and What are the Implications for Outdoor Recreationists? “Climbing is high risk. But for me, there are intrinsic rewards in this risk—an ability to fill the desire for adventure, which we have 7-Elevened out of our life” Conrad Anker Introduction It is generally accepted that a certain amount of risk is an inherent part of any adventure (March, 1998). Indeed, some have argued that without risk there can be no adventure. Given that hazards are an ever-present and unavoidable component of any outdoor pursuit, the ability to identify, assess and manage the risk associated with these hazards is a critical skill for outdoor leaders. Hazards associated with outdoor pursuits have been split into two basic categories: objective and subjective (March, 1998). Objective hazards are those associated with the natural environment over which humans have little control. Examples include darkness, storms, avalanche, rockfall, weather, etc. Subjective hazards are the less obvious psychomotor, cognitive and affective hazards associated with the group including factors such as technical skill, judgement, physical fitness, emotional state and group dynamics (March, 1998). The ability to recognize, avoid and minimize exposure to objective hazards is, of course, an expected characteristic of an experienced outdoor leader. The most successful leaders, however, are the ones who have a thorough understanding of not only objective hazards but also subjective hazards that might be equally as destructive to the group’s objectives. An interesting phenomenon that has been observed in a group setting is the “risky shift.” Although it is difficult to obtain precise statistics, it is likely that this phenomenon is at least partly responsible for many accidents and fatalities in the outdoors every year and therefore it is important for outdoor leaders to understand its causes and ramifications. The purpose of this paper will be to examine this risky shift phenomenon. First, the phenomenon will be described and theories that have been postulated as to why it occurs will be examined. Then the implications for outdoor leaders and recreationists will be discussed, with emphasis on some practical issues that may help leaders and groups to recognize the potential for a risky shift and manage the problem, should it occur.