Constructivism: an answer to activism

Abstract

The rise of activism is impacting the future of the Australian resources and energy industry. New projects suffer delays on a myriad of regulatory fronts, and fall victim to coordinated activist campaigns seeking to undermine their social licence to operate. Public trust in the natural gas industry is declining more rapidly in Australia than any other country, followed closely by the United States. In Australia, the industry is looking internationally for best practice approaches to turning this issue of perceptions around. In this paper I have drawn on the latest research and practical case studies from the United States to argue that harnessing the power of the workforce is the key to a strong, constructive response to activism and shifting community perceptions of the industry. I articulate the concept of constructivism in support of the resources and energy industries as an answer to activism, outlining strategies for successful constructivist campaigns, ultimately led by highly engaged Australian workforces. The method involves applying this constructivist approach to ‘Industry Employee Engagement’, creating a clear sense of purpose and emotional bond between your employees, their work and the industry. This sees employees motivated to take action and, when equipped with the appropriate knowledge and skills, discuss and promote the industry within their own community networks. Success will provide an aligned and unified approach to turning around perceptions of the industry and ensuring all Australians are fully informed and behind the role the industry will play in our nation’s future.