English

Abstract

A real crisis experienced by a national nonprofit organization is used in this case study to help students apply concepts associated with crisis management planning (CMP). Students are introduced to crisis planning, management, and communication strategies to help them develop the skills necessary to lead a nonprofit organization through a crisis. Concepts introduced in the theoretical background of the case provide students with a theoretical and a practical understanding of crisis, crisis management, crisis communication planning, and crisis communication strategies. Communication strategies presented are focused on image restoration strategies. The case is appropriate for undergraduate and graduate students preparing to work in the nonprofit sector. Instructors are encouraged to use this case in conjunction with discussions of public relations, crisis management, or crisis communication strategies. The sample assignments and discussion questions allow students to connect crisis management theory to a practical organizational crisis within a classroom setting.