2024 Volume 80 Issue 1 Article ID: 23-00195
This study aims to clarify an impact of differences in discussion methods and the circumstances of the discussion on the willingness to participate (WTP) in the future informational meetings, conducting a discussion experiment simulating an informational meeting. In the experiment, participants discussed the acceptance of a geological disposal site by online chat and face-to-face discussion separately. The circumstances of the discussion were manipulated by the presence or absence of a person who monopolized the opportunity to speak by making negative comments. The results showed no main effect on the WTP, but an interaction effect was found in which the absence of a monopolist in the face-to-face discussion increased the WTP and the sense of benefit. Regardless of the discussion method, it was also shown that a participation in a meeting increased the intention to participate in the future. The results also showed that the WTP consists of interest in the benefits and the fair management. The main effects of face-to-face meetings were observed for the atmosphere and fairness of the management. Finally, the need to consider behavioral costs was discussed.
