Crisis Communication in Different Environments

Crisis Communication in Different Environments



Abstract

In a global business environment, cultural understanding is an essential tool for successful communication and relationship building between organizations and audiences. However, the power of cultural values to modify individuals' ways of thinking and communicating is not well understood in terms of crisis communication management. Therefore, this study examines the effect of cultural values on crisis communication planning. Although professionals considered culture a key element of crisis management, they did not feel prepared to handle the challenges of a multicultural crisis, nor did they report that they used culturally adjusted crisis strategies often, PR practitioners had difficulties in defining multiculturalism, often equating cultural diversity with communicating with Latinos. Skills to manage multicultural situations and openness to diverse knowledge significantly predict the relevance professionals attributed to culture when designing crisis communication strategies. Training initiatives focused on increasing levels of cultural competence can make organizations ready to the challenges of a global market.

Table of Contents

Abstractii

Crisis Communication in Different Environments4

Introduction4

Thesis Statement4

Discussions5

Audiences' Perceptions6

Network Society7

Crisis Communication Strategies9

Cultural Values10

Crisis Communication Model12

Conclusion14

Reference15

Crisis Communication in Different Environments

Introduction

Individuals and organizations create and share cultural values through their communication practices. Culture influences communication exchanges in all areas of human interaction, from interpersonal instances to organizational environments. Social, historical, and cultural contexts play a role in the way which audiences interpret corporations' messages. As a result, public relations theory needs to take into account the influence of diverse cultural identities on public relations strategies.

Public relations practices aim to build relationships with key audiences in order to shape corporations' missions and strategies in accordance with audiences' preferences. However, often key audiences are culturally diverse and their backgrounds need to be accounted for when communication strategies are planned and implemented. A global market composed of a multiethnic audience is currently a reality to the vast majority of companies. Indeed, with the widespread use of the Internet, worldwide presence is both a promise and a threat for anyone. We live in a network society where incessant and pervasive cross border interactions are both possible and cost and time effective. The interconnectedness of a globalized society is a key element for public relations and crisis communication strategies. In effect, during corporate crises, new technologies have the potential to make every local event an international crisis.

Thesis Statement

Cultural understanding is essential for successful communication and relationship building between organizations and audience.

Discussions

Even apart from the role of the Internet, crises are created and resolved through communication and cultural values affect the meanings individuals attribute to crisis events and corporate responses to these situations. Several examples illustrate the ways in which crises in our global society and economy have multinational and multicultural effects. As a first instance, ten years ago Asian countries, including Indonesia, Thailand, and South Korea, faced a serious financial crisis. Foreign investors, wary of the lack of corporate transparency in those countries, sensed that a financial crisis could erupt at any time. By pulling their money out, foreign investors indeed triggered a financial crisis that ...