Unit 1: Crisis Communication Introduction
The resources assigned for Unit 1 will give you the basic framework for understanding crisis communication and its application in a professional business environment. This unit will discuss what crisis communication involves, types of crises, crisis responses, and crisis communication management. By explaining how crisis communication relates to organizational communication and then looking at problems that lead to crisis communication, you can learn the definition and principles of crisis communication and can develop a deeper understanding of its value in today's marketplace. This unit will also provide a brief introduction to the evolution of using social media during crisis. Later in the course, Unit 3 will expand on the discussion of the value of using social media in crisis communication management.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 3 hours.
Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- explain what crisis communication involves;
- describe and identify different types of crisis;
- describe the phases of crisis; and
- describe problems leading to crisis communication
1.1: What Is Crisis Communication?
Watch this brief video on how crisis communication is viewed from a business perspective. In this video, Rick Kelly, Director of Crisis Communications at Triad Strategies, defines crisis communication and discusses the importance of developing a crisis communications plan.
Read this article for an overview and definition of crisis communication and crisis communication management. This article also addresses reasons why crisis communication is important. Note that it is not necessary to read the other chapters referenced and linked in this article.
1.2: Types of Crises
Read the "Types of Crises" section of this article, stopping at "Crisis Leadership". This section will help you understand the various types of crises that can occur and that should be considered and customized for various organizational crisis management planning.
1.3: Crisis Management Stages
Watch this video presentation for a better understanding of crisis communication as a business or organization problem. In particular, note the stages of crisis communication.
1.4: Four Types of Crisis Response
Read this article to learn how the four types of corporate crisis responses affect the perception of the company and the CEO differently.
1.5: The Evolution of Using Social Media in Disaster Response
Read this article to learn about how social networks have changed everything in public relations. The materials in this subunit will help prepare you for Unit 3.
Read this article and watch the embedded video to learn about social media's growing application for disaster response.
Read this document for an introduction to social media strategy that has application to both non-profit and other organizations.
Unit 1 Assessment
- Receive a grade
Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.
- This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
- You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
- You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.