Abstract
AbstractAs emergency management evolved to encompass a focus on supporting safe growth and development for communities, the role and responsibilities of government became increasingly complex with aspects of emergency management becoming quintessential. Issues with communication uncovered the need to understand how managers collect, disseminate, and adapt critical information through understanding crisis type and local community needs. This paper examines the use of crisis communication strategies in emergency management practice and how these strategies have been impacted by Situational Crisis Communication Theory. This theory’s prescriptive approach connects leaders’ response to strategies emphasizing adaptation to local community needs and crisis type. Utilizing structural equation modeling and qualitative analysis, results from a nationwide survey of county, and county-equivalent, emergency managers in the United States is included. The survey focused on the relationship between crisis communication strategies, local community needs, crisis type, and perceived resilience. The paper concludes with a discussion of the significant indicators impacting use of crisis communication strategies by emergency managers along with critical importance of adaptation to local community needs and crisis type. In addition, the paper unveils practical recommendations for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers in the field of emergency management and its counterparts.
Highlights
Moving from a reactionary management style to unified command and control, the emergency manager has become an essential member of their community
This paper examines the use of crisis communication strategies in emergency management practice and how these strategies have been impacted by Situational Crisis Communication Theory
This study focused on the use of crisis communication strategies in emergency management from the viewpoint of emergency managers
Summary
Moving from a reactionary management style to unified command and control, the emergency manager has become an essential member of their community. Crises related to emergency management frequently uncovered issues related to its role and responsibilities, as well as interaction between local, state, and national. The challenges faced by communities and invested stakeholders have spurred numerous studies focused on preparation, mitigation, response, and recovery activities. More specific studies focused on how diverse crises influence communication capacity, processes, and strategies. Results indicated effective communication hinges on the ability to learn and assess a community’s needs followed by adaptation and practically applying these lessons (Boin and McConnell 2007; Comfort 2007; Coombs 2014; Cutter et al 2008; Cutter, Burton, and Emrich 2010; McEntire 2007; Sylves 2014; Waugh and Streib 2006)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
