Communication and Organizational Crisis

Communication and Organizational Crisis offers a comprehensive exploration of how crisis events - ranging from environmental disasters and technical failures to corporate implosions - profoundly impact organizations and society. The authors, Seeger, Sellnow, and Ulmer, present organizational crisis as a natural phase in the evolution of companies, government agencies, and communities alike. They illuminate the dual nature of crises, underscoring that while such events can generate stress and significant threats, they simultaneously open the door to rapid, transformative change. At the heart of this book lies the pivotal role of communication in building, managing, and ultimately recovering from crises. Drawing on a diverse array of theoretical perspectives including chaos theory and organizational learning, the authors systematically review the ways in which effective communication can steer organizations from crisis incubation through to recovery. Structured to benefit researchers, crisis managers, and communication professionals, this 312-page volume skillfully merges theory with practical application, offering valuable insights into the dynamics of crises in today’s media-saturated environment.