Importance of a Crisis Communication Plan
The most effective crisis communication plan is consistent and clear. That’s why companies have to create a crisis communication plan that includes primary messages, regular updates, and delivery methodologies, which can ensure that all crisis communication is strategic and thoughtful. When a company only communicates in a way that’s reactive during a crisis, it results in more confusion, stress, and uncertainty. Crisis communication is all about the information that the company shares to address a crisis situation that might impact the reputation of the business. Whether a company manages its reputation or not, that company is going to be perceived by everyone that’s aware of it. That’s why it’s in the best interest of every business to have some input into the narrative that’s being shared about it.
Types of crises
There are several different types of common crisis that companies often encounter. One type of crisis that’s relatively common is the financial crisis, such as when a store needs to be closed or a company announces bankruptcy. There’s also an organizational crisis, which results from any misconduct or wrongdoing from organizational practices inside a company. There are also personnel crises, which affect business operations and company reputations, such as changes to the staff through layoffs, furloughs, or controversial behavior. There are also technological crises that result from technological failure which reduce the functionality of business operations. Finally, natural crises are beyond any companies’ control.
Crisis Response
No matter what type of crisis a company might be facing, it’s important to have a plan ready for such a situation. That’s why companies have to prepare plans that include different crisis scenarios and the correct responses to them. That way, companies can stay on top of the information that’s shared about the crisis in the public and media, and get ahead of any potential spread of misinformation or disinformation. Companies also need to assign a spokesperson to communicate with the public and media throughout the crisis, and to respond to the situation in a timely manner.
