OVERVIEW Flashcards
SIMPLE MAIN IDEAS
Define crisis management and explain how it differs from crisis communication.
Crisis management involves strategic planning to control a crisis and reduce risks, while crisis communication is the interactive dialogue with stakeholders during and after the crisis to reduce its impact and protect the organization’s reputation.
Describe Hermann’s three characteristics of crises and explain why they are important in crisis management.
Hermann identified surprise, threat, and short response time as defining features of crises. These characteristics highlight the need for fast, tailored responses that address the specific risks and intensity of the crisis.
What is epistemological uncertainty, and how does it affect crisis management?
Epistemological uncertainty is the knowledge gap following a crisis, caused by limited understanding and evolving details. This affects crisis management by limiting clear communication and decision-making, often necessitating ongoing updates and adjustments.
What is ontological uncertainty, and how does it affect crisis management?
Ontological uncertainty is when future events deviate significantly from past experiences, creating unpredictability. Ontological uncertainty complicates crisis management by forcing leaders to make decisions without past examples, requiring adaptable strategies and clear, cautious communication.
Explain the difference between a dialogue-centered approach and a technology-centered approach in risk communication.
The dialogue-centered approach encourages inclusive decision-making by engaging all stakeholders, while the technology-centered approach relies on experts to make decisions based on technical knowledge, often prioritizing efficiency and expertise over broad input.
What is Convergence Theory, and how does it apply to public understanding of risk issues?
Convergence Theory suggests that public understanding evolves as competing arguments are debated, (the idea that different viewpoints and information about a risk issue come together to create a shared understanding among people). This theory is particularly relevant to contentious risk issues like climate change, where public opinion is shaped by persuasive points within these arguments.
List and explain the five standards of significant choice proposed by Nilsen.
Significant choice requires that decisions are free from coercion, based on full information, inclusive of all alternatives, transparent about long-term and short-term consequences, and open about personal motives. These standards promote ethical, informed decision-making in risk communication.
What ethical guidelines should crisis communicators follow to avoid increasing ambiguity for stakeholders?
Crisis communicators should provide clear, honest, and consistent messages, avoid misleading or incomplete information, and strive to reduce ambiguity by addressing stakeholders’ concerns openly and regularly.
