Citation

Noel V. Ind. Crisis Q. 1987; 1(2): 27-37.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1987, Industrial Crisis Institute - Bucknell University)

DOI

10.1177/108602668700100205

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Awareness of the potential for industrial crises has risen, as the public's attention is increasingly directed at crisis situations. The ability to communicate effectively in a crisis is essential for organizations. A firm's credibility may be enhanced or damaged depending on the perceptions created as a result of communications. The variety of crises and communication responses permits an examination of factors that need to be considered in choosing the most appropriate communications vehicle in a crisis situation. These vehicles will be examined in light of key factors that include, the scope of the crisis, the audience to be reached, the content of messages (OA&A, 1984), its sensitivity, and the urgency in divulging information. Information technology can provide companies with a strategic competitive edge, and act as both an offensive and defensive weapon in anticipating, preventing, reacting to, and recovering from crises.