LibGuides: COM620: Module 2 Resources

Lesson 2 Required Resources

Textbook

Effective Crisis Communication: Moving from Crisis to Opportunity

Ulmer, R.R., Sellnow, T.L., & Seeger, M. (2023). Effective crisis communication: Moving from crisis to opportunity (5th ed.). Sage College Publishing.

Read:

Chapters 3, 6, and 9.
Crisis events are a reality of business, and professional communicators must become adept at forecasting situations that will significantly impact their organizations. Ulmer et al. (2023) provide insight into the definition and impact of various crises, the subsequent impact on the organization and its stakeholders, and the need to develop effective leadership.

Your course textbook can be accessed via the DART eBook link in the Getting Started module.

COM620 SWOT Template

Optional/Supplemental Resources

Crisis Communications Management
Wheeler, A. (2019). Crisis communications management. Emerald Group Publishing.
Review the entire book, which will be most beneficial to you during Modules 3 and 4.
User-Generated Crisis Communication: Exploring Crisis Frames on Twitter During Hurricane Harvey
Riddell, H., & Fenner, C. (2021). User-generated crisis communication: Exploring crisis frames on Twitter during Hurricane Harvey. Southern Communication Journal, 86(1), 31–45.
Abstract/Summary: “Traditional mass media effect theories place the burden of crisis communication on the organization or media. Analysis of user-generated content alongside traditional media and organizational content can provide insight into how the general public views the event and their information needs. Twitter was used for this study since it is frequently used for news information. A content analysis of tweets made during Hurricane Harvey by users, organizations, and traditional media showed that Twitter users are using similar frames, and many times collectively framing the situation before the organization or media. Findings indicate an increasing role of user-generated messages during a crisis and a need for an integrated approach by organizations and the media” (Riddell, et all, 2021).
The Complexities of Place in Crisis Renewal Discourse: A Case Study of the Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting
Wombacher, K., Herovic, E., Sellnow, T. L., & Seeger, M. W. (2018). The complexities of place in crisis renewal discourse: A case study of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Journal of Contingencies & Crisis Management, 26(1), 164–172.
Abstract: “The discourse of renewal is an established strategy for crisis recovery. The current analysis examines the role that place plays in postcrisis communication, in general, and the discourse of renewal, specifically. We describe the extent to which place‐bound crises affect the ability of an organization to enact a discourse of renewal. We propose a modification of renewal discourse to include place as a condition that may make the successful enactment of renewal rhetoric more likely. Specifically, we argue that the place of the crisis can be a decisive element in whether or how renewal is enacted. We analyze the case of the Sandy Hook School shooting to explicate the opportunities and challenges of dealing with a place‐bound crisis” (Wombacher, 2018).
Communication in a Crisis and the Importance of Authenticity and Transparency
Erickson, S. (2021). Communication in a Crisis and the Importance of Authenticity and Transparency. Journal of Library Administration, 61(4), 476–483.
Abstract: “Communication is at the heart of leadership and management. It is how we set expectations, provide feedback, and ensure that the work of the organizations we lead is in alignment with larger institutional or organizational priorities. Communication works at high levels through annual reports and goal setting, but it is also the backbone of day-to-day teamwork and conversation. During a crisis, particularly a prolonged one such as the COVID-19 pandemic, any breakdowns in communication will be magnified. When we are under stress, we tend to be more reactive than we would likely be during calmer times. Clear, calm, and regular communication is needed to assure staff that the boat will stay afloat in the storm. Transparency and authenticity are key to effective communication. Authentic leadership embodies the empathy, transparency, and focus on the long term that are needed to endure the uncertainty of a global health and economic crisis. This article explores aspects of authentic leadership as they relate to employee engagement and trust” (Erickson, 2021).
Writing Resources Guide: Case Study
National University Academic Success Center. Writing Resources Guide: Case Study.
Summary: Defines “case study” and breaks down its parts, including information on how to write one.
An Introduction to Case Studies
Landman, T. (Academic). (2017). Chapter 1: The Value of Case Studies. An introduction to case studies [Video]. Sage Research Methods.
Summary: Duration: Chapter 1 is 4 minutes. The first section of this video explains the value of case study research.
Gaining an understanding of the perspectives of a crisis event helps a professional communicator to forecast response steps. By examining historical cases, key lessons learned can be isolated so that when facing future events, the crisis can be mediated quickly and impacts can be lessened.
This resource is a practical industry tool that provides professional insight into competent management of crisis developments. The material reflects seasoned content experts’ experiences and strategic approaches. This insight will help learners to craft a facsimile crisis plan that is realistic and extends wise guidance to organizational leadership.