Crisis Communications Flashcards

In the context of crisis communications, 'issue management' refers to:

Answer: Identifying and addressing potential issues before they become crises

Issue management is a proactive process of scanning the environment, identifying emerging issues, and taking action before they escalate into full crises.

Which crisis type, according to Coombs' SCCT, carries the HIGHEST reputational threat?

Answer: Preventable crises caused by organizational misconduct

Preventable crises—where the organization knowingly violated laws or ethical norms—carry the highest reputational threat and require the most accommodative responses.

What is the purpose of a 'crisis communication audit'?

Answer: Evaluate existing crisis plans, resources, and communication channels for gaps

A crisis communication audit systematically assesses an organization's preparedness, identifying weaknesses in plans, team roles, and messaging before a crisis occurs.

The term 'crisis fatigue' in public relations describes:

Answer: Audiences becoming desensitized after repeated exposure to crises

Crisis fatigue occurs when frequent or prolonged exposure to crisis messaging causes audiences to disengage or stop responding emotionally.

Which principle states that organizations should communicate with stakeholders even when information is incomplete?

Answer: Transparent communication principle

Transparent communication holds that acknowledging uncertainty and committing to updates is more effective than waiting for complete information before communicating.

A 'post-crisis' phase activity in PR typically includes:

Answer: Reputation repair, lessons-learned reviews, and stakeholder follow-up

Post-crisis activities focus on rebuilding trust, conducting after-action reviews, and strengthening plans to prevent recurrence.