Framework of Internet-Based Crisis Communication Planning in Digital Era: A Theoretical Approach

Abstract

he development of information and communication technology has changed the practices in the field of Public Relations in carrying out its activities. Especially in crisis communication that is considered to be more complex, and even raises a new possibilities in which each company will be more vulnerable in crisis with greater impact than ever before. Internet as a result of these developments posed a threat and challenge to practitioners in crisis communication. Companies today are required to have a structured and internet-based crisis communications plan contains policy and procedure as an effort to respond to these technology developments. So far, crisis communication researchers have primarily focused on the use of internet on the crisis response. It is now time to start focusing not only on the one aspect but also all aspects of crisis communication (pre crisis, crisis and post crisis) which all can lead to the establishment of a crisis communication plan. Therefore, in this paper will discuss the importance of crisis communication planning and the steps in its development, by adopting the stages of a crisis communication consisting of pre crisis, the crisis and post crisis