Crisis communications today's strategic imperative

摘要

An empirical study of major British organisations focuses on the role of crisis communication within a total communications strategy and on the management of relationships between the organisation and key audiences. It examines the organisational role of crisis communications in defending the corporate image, rescuing the organisational reputation, re-establishing harmonious relations, establishing trust and providing timely and reliable information with key audiences when surprise turns to disaster; thereby contributing to general motivation, crucially in times of stress. The conclusion is that communications at a time of catastrophe make a significant contribution to a fully developed corporate strategy.