Abstract This paper analyzes the best methods and techniques for effectively planning for, managing and mitigating the damage from a political crisis. It explores the need to develop a crisis plan before a crisis occurs. It expands on the four stages to effectively deal with a crisis, and how political crises relate to these crisismanagement techniques. The author includes steps that must be taken when a crisis occurs.
From the Paper "Every organization must at some point deal with a crisis. Crisis situations are exceedingly difficult to deal with because, by definition they are times of flux and change whose outcome will often depend on the organization's reaction. Managing a crisis is a ..."
This paper examines how an organization can handle a crisis. The steps an organization takes during a crisis will determine how they come out of it. This paper lays out how an organization can effectively deal with crisis to prevent lasting damage.
1,430 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 8 sources, 2002, $ 47.95
Abstract This paper looks at the importance of a company's crisismanagement strategy and how the strategy that an organization takes during a crisis can affect the long-term health of that organization. It also puts forth the theory that organizations often collapse because when a crisis occurs they are not equipped to deal with it in a quick and timely fashion.
From the paper:
"Planning ahead of time can help soften the negative impact of an ongoing crisis. Decisions made while planning for a potential crisis tend to be more rational then a decision made in the middle of a crisis. Develop a crisis manual that is simple and easy to read and make sure it is used; it is worthless if it sits idle on a shelf. All employees need to be trained so they know what their roles will be during a crisis. This training will help prepare everybody in the organization to avert or effectively manage extraordinary incidents. It is not possible to plan for all potential crises that can occur. Rather an organization should prepare an action plan that involves responses for various aspects of a possible crisis."
This paper discusses crisismanagement structures in terms of the United States' security system classified as "homeland security" and "homeland defense".
Abstract This paper explains that command, control, and communications play important roles in decision making within crisismanagement organizations. The author points out that the most important element in crisismanagement is the gathering of information that would help to overcome adversary forces. The paper states that journalists are specifically targeted as the benefactors of online crisis communication and management because they are the key in providing timely information for newscasts, newspaper,s and the Internet.
Table of Contents
Characteristics of CrisisManagement and Decision Making Structures
Command/Control Communications
The CrisisManager
From the Paper "According to the White House web site for example, the border protection unit comprises over 29,000 uniformed officers. At airports, security has been tightened to great degrees in less than a year. Airports all over the country now have over 45,000 Federal security screeners. These persons are highly trained to inspect all baggage professionally. The Coast Guard has also played an important role, having conducted more than 124,000 port security patrols, 13,000 air patrols, boarded more than 92,000 vessels, interdicted over 14,000 illegal entrants into the country, and includes more than 90 Maritime Security Zones."
Tags: computers, journalists, command, control, communication
This paper discusses crisismanagement by Odwalla, Inc., a natural, unpasteurized fruit juice company, after a fatal outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 in their apple juice.
Abstract This paper explains that although most small companies would never have survived an E. coli crisis, Odwalla weathered the storm and is now the subject of a best practice studies on crisismanagement. The author points out that Odwalla was not innocent and committed major management errors: Significant flaws in its safety procedures, poorly maintained citrus-processing equipment, an insular culture without a clear system of corporate checks and balances, no internal oversight procedure and a board of directors comprised of business friends of its founder. The paper reports that some of the crisismanagement included the company accepted full responsibility for the crisis, in all interviews with the media, expressed sympathy and regret for all those affected and promised that the company would pay all medical costs.
From the Paper "Most importantly, Odwalla took steps to stop the problem that had caused the E. coli contamination in the first place. The company admitted that its neglect of pasteurization had been wrong and moved quickly to introduce a process called "flash pasteurization" which could guarantee that E. coli had destroyed while maintaining better flavor that pasteurization. Odwalla also invested $1.5 million in new safety procedures within a year of the recall. Today, the company adheres to a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points program that exceeds FDA requirements, tests every batch of juice for purity, performs daily microbiological tests, and leads the charge for higher government standards across the juice industry. While Odwalla's public relations campaign was a success, it's important to remember that the company was guilty of criminal charges of selling tainted apple justice and was fined $1.5 million, the largest ever assessed by the FDA. Odwalla accepted responsibility for the poisonings by portraying itself as unaware of the health dangers of unpasteurized juice, but this doesn?t appear to be the case. Nonetheless, the public responded favorably to Odwalla's highly lauded crisis management tactics."
Abstract This paper cites the fact that Ashland Oil Inc. at the beginning of this decade recognized that it had a managementcrisis and that it needed to gain control of it in order to cope with the unforeseen shifts in the oil business. It shows that in 1991, the company made a number of decisions regarding how to prepare for a crisis, after it had faced a crisis with a major oil spill in 1988 and had not handled the situation as well as it might.
From the Paper "The public sees long line at the gas pump and notes the rising costs of oil and may believe that the oil companies are making money hand over fist and doing so with relatively little effort. In fact, though, whether an oil company can weather the ups and downs of the oil business depends on the management of the company. Ashland Oil Inc. at the beginning of this decade recognized that it had a management crisis and that it needed to gain control of it in order to cope with the unforeseen shifts in the oil business. Americans have been aware of an oil crisis since the 1970s, when the first oil crisis brought higher prices and long lines and made Americans more aware than ever before of their dependence on foreign sources for their oil and energy needs."
Abstract This paper discusses the importance of crisismanagement in sports marketing operations. The paper describes how sports organizations can use communications strategies to combat the negative effects of a crisis situation. The paper contends that, by using effective crisismanagement models, sports organizations are better prepared to identify 'spot fires,' which will enable marketers to extinguish the flames before they damage the organization's reputation.
From the Paper "One of the most important aspects of crisis management is the development and implementation of a theoretical and effective media relations campaign (O'Bierne and Ries, 2002). The media plays a key role in an organization's attempt to send key messages to the publics. On the flip side, it can also send negative and damaging messages, particularly when there is a crisis or scandal involved. The media's ability to jump on a story as soon as it happens has forced sports organizations to develop crisis strategies that can be launched just as quickly as the media can report the news (Fink, 1986)."
Abstract This paper focuses on the recent crisis faced by Cantor Fitzgerald when it lost more than 700 of its employees in the tragic attacks of September 11 and discusses the crisismanagement measures adopted by the firm.
Abstract The paper discusses how in a major crisis, leadership throughout a company are challenged to help manage the crisis, and therefore it is not feasible to bring in new leadership in all these positions. The paper explains that it really depends on the crisis in determining whether to bring in new leadership or retain existing leadership. The paper shows how in some situations, existing leaders are the best choice to weather the storm and return the company to normalcy, while in others, the best solutions is to clean house and bring in new, dynamic, and positive leadership.
From the Paper "On the other hand, retaining management during a crisis can help add a sense of normalcy to the situation, and may help others better manage and eliminate the crisis. An experience manager is also more familiar with the company, its procedures, and the best way to deal with the crisis using existing company resources, if that is possible, and so, they may be the most prepared and best choice to help manage a company in crisis. New leadership, brought in to manage a crisis, would have to familiarize themselves with the company and its operations, which could lead to a slower reaction to the crisis. Using existing management means they can hit the ground running to come up with solutions to manage the crisis and save the company from further damage."
Abstract This paper reviews a crisis campaign or over-arching strategy geared towards ensuring that Karma-Organic Food for Dogs can emerge in good condition from a bruising product recall, which has turned its industry upside down. The author identifies the groups that should be targeted by any marketing campaign in the grim aftermath of this recall. The paper points out that crisis planning involves reminding the public that the company is concerned about its consumers, quality, ethical business practices and making a product that can meet the most exacting quality standards. The author concludes that the best communication strategy is to accentuate the positive and the company's long and distinguished history of providing organic food at economical prices so that Karma-Organic Food for Dogs can emerge from this industry-wide crisis a winner.
From the Paper "Before going too far, it is important to discuss in some detail the entire recall crisis. To begin with, a quick glance at the Menu Foods recall website reveals that the list of recalled items has grown recently and that ChemNutra Wheat Gluten appears to be the main culprit responsible for the crisis. Furthermore, the website indicates that Menu Foods is taking (or was as of March, 2007) steps to divine the cause of the illnesses striking the pets of customers - the identification of the aforementioned ChemNutra Wheat Gluten (and the massive recall of food products) would seem to be the most significant step."
This paper looks at the crisis of car tires blowing out while drivers are on the road and how the company Bridgestone/Firestone were accused of this crime. This paper shows the company's unwillingness to accept blame for road deaths.
Abstract This paper looks at Bridgestone/Firestone's flat out refusal to accept blame for their part in any road deaths. The writer shows how corporate America feels more affianced to its internal stakeholders than to the consumer public. It follows with an example of a high profile trial where they consistently denied they had any responsibility for any damages. The writer concludes by showing that their policies and crisismanagement strategies not only cost the company its reputation but also result in permanent loss of consumer loyalty.
From the Paper "Firestone doesn?t know a thing about good crisis management. Its policy of denying its obvious faults has decreased consumer's trust in the company or its products for that matter. It is important nowadays to understand that consumers are not interested in big names only, they also want to be assured that the company indeed cares about all the stakeholders involved. Firestone's employees have suffered tremendously from the recall and from its various errors as jobs were slashed in the United States and stock prices tumbled. The community and society on the whole suffered because one firm refused to own up and thus delayed tire recall."
Abstract This paper looks at the best way to manage an airline. It shows that in the last two decades, the highs and lows in airline equity values were not associated with operational factors, but were the result of environmental factors external to operations. Effects of new technology are discussed, as well as the results of the change in attitude of consumers and government towards the airline industry. It looks at successful airlines and claims that their success is due to their market orientation. Effects on the industry since deregulation are looked at. The many risks with which an airline carrier manager must deal are also examined and the need for ongoing flexibility is stressed.
From the Paper "In the last two decades, the highs and lows in airline equity values were not associated with operational factors (strikes, competitive issues, loss of market share or an over leveraged situation), but were the result of environmental factors external to operations. Examples were the 1987 stock market collapse, the United Airlines takeover attempt, the Gulf War, and problems in Eastern Europe. These events have had immediate effects on costs including interest rates, energy prices and exchange rates, subsequently affecting the perceived profitability of the airline (Froot, Scharfstein and Stein, 1993)."
Abstract The paper discusses how crisismanagement has grown and evolved since public relations was first conceived in dealing with organizational and governmental crisismanagement. The paper provides a literature review and shows how new and strategically suitable methods for coping during crisismanagement are required by today's public relations management. The paper explains that an effective public relations manager will turn to those in the legal department and other departments throughout the organization through establishment of an ongoing dialog. The paper demonstrates how this increases the likelihood that the manager will have the benefit of a multi-dimensional perspective during the management of the crisis.
Outline:
Objective
Introduction
Discussion and Conclusion
From the Paper "The work of Mark Schannon entitled: "Issue Management: Trying to Create Rational Explanations in a Non-Rational World" states that millions of dollars are spent each year in the attempt to answer the questions that are asked in relation to crisis management by the organization. Schannon states that: "Sophisticated research, econometric analyses, media analyses, NGO analyses, and past and future trends are scoured" in the attempt to answer questions of crises management. Schannon reviews the convention issues management model which was used by many organizations and specifically used by the Public Affairs Council until about 2001."
Abstract This paper summarizes a simulation for managing a crisis with public relations (PR) tools. The paper formulates a PR strategy for a new company called Greenenergy. It addresses the meaning of proactive planning and the feedback mechanism recommended in relation to the situation described in the simulation. The paper analyzes what is an ineffectual way of deploying the PR plan along with examples of what not to do in a similar situation.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
"Managing a Crisis Using PR" Simulation Summary
Proactive Planning and Feedback
PR Plan Deployment
CrisisManagement Conclusion
From the Paper "Greenenergy faced crises when equipment, maintained improperly, injured people. The company chose to be forthright and immediately released information to the media and cooperated with investigative authorities (University of Phoenix, 2006). Choosing appropriate message options such as releasing specific information to the media ensures the communication of the desired message and cooperating with investigated authorities earns the organization creditability. Choosing the appropriate communication hierarchy is equally as critical as the form of communication. Greenenergy had a planned approach for immediately communicating with key internal and external publics. The approach allowed for the right information, in the right medium to go to the right people within the right timeframe preventing further duress in the crisis."
Abstract The paper explores the origins of the financial crisis and shows how it is a crisis of the system at the world level. The paper analyzes the consequences of the crisis on banks profitability, international financial markets, the economic sector, the labor market. The paper then focuses on the consequences of the crisis in Germany and reveals that the whole German economy was hit particularly hard by the crisis. The paper concludes that, nevertheless, Germany has reacted well with financial system rescue and economy stimulus packages that have limited confidence crises and a collapse of the whole German system.
Summary:
Introduction
The Roots of the Crisis Consequences of the Crisis Consequences of the Crisis in Germany
The German CrisisManagement
From the Paper "The triggering element of the present financial crisis was the real-estate crisis in the United States. The crisis began in a certain indifference in 2006, but then it reached its peak during the second semester of 2008 when we observed, day after day, a fall in prices of shares, simultaneously in all the financial centres and activities sectors, along with bankruptcies of certain prestigious banking institutions, as well as serious and expensive internal dysfunctions in many others. These events have led to unusual interventions from the public authorities, interventions which became more and more massive and coordinated with a view to contain a crisis of confidence in the functioning of the financial systems and to limit the gravity of an economic recession in developed countries with its predictable social consequences."
Abstract This paper reviews and discusses crisis communication as a tool in crisismanagement strategy. According to the paper, effective communication in a time of crisis, can make all the difference. The paper focuses primarily on Hurricane Katrina. The paper reviews various relevant literature to determine the background of the problems experienced when dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Outline:
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
Overcoming Constraints to Crisis Communications
Eight Key Principles of Crisis Communications
Current and Future Trends
Conclusion
From the Paper "While many companies still lack an effective crisis communications plan, others have recognized the potential threat to their survival and have taken steps to address these shortcomings. In fact, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and the series of natural disasters that affected the coastal regions of the United States in the years that followed appear to have been a wake-up call for many enterprises. Indeed, following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, a survey of national public relations professionals determined that many companies area assigning higher priority to updating their crisis communications plans and attempting to identify faster approaches to communicate with all employees during such emergency situations (Duhe, 2005). According to this author, "The survey of 150 companies found that 46 percent of companies have increased their focus upon crisis communications planning in the wake of 9/11. Companies re-evaluated their crisis communication plans and determined that the top priority is to communicate quickly and effectively with all employees" (Duhe, 2005, p. 7)."
