Aspects Of Crisis Management Research Articles

Swiss COVID-19 hospital surveillance: an in-depth analysis of the factors associated with hospital readmission dynamics in community-acquired COVID-19 cases.

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed unprecedented pressure on hospitals worldwide. In such a context of tension in healthcare systems, efficiently allocating hospital resources is a crucial aspect of crisis management. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics of readmitted patients and to determine risk factors for hospital readmission using data from the Swiss COVID-19 Hospital-Based Surveillance system (CH-SUR). We investigated hospital readmissions within 60 days after discharge of patients from the CH-SUR surveillance system with a first hospitalisation between 1 December 2020 and 1 December 2021. Only community-acquired cases were considered. We compared the baseline characteristics of readmitted and non-readmitted patients. We performed univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses to investigate the risk factors for hospital readmission. Of the 8039 eligible patients, 239 (3.0%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.6-3.3%) were readmitted to hospital within 60 days of discharge, with no significant variations observed over the study period; 80% of all readmissions occurred within 10 days of discharge of the index hospital stay. Based on our multivariable logistic regression models, factors increasing the odds of hospital readmission were age ≥65 years (odds ratio [OR] 1.63, 95% CI 1.24-2.15), male sex (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.12-1.93), being discharged to home after first hospitalisation (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.19-2.62), having oncological pathology (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.27-2.61) and being immunosuppressed (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.67-3.29). Age, sex, cardiovascular diseases, oncological pathologies and immunosuppression were the main risk factors identified for hospital readmission.

Advancing disaster management through biofuel integration: A comprehensive review

Scientific evidence has demonstrated that biofuels have the ability to reduce environmental contamination, hence addressing the underlying causes of potential disasters. Renewable fuels produced from biological resources provide flexible solutions for several aspects of crisis management, such as supplying energy for emergency generators, fuelling transportation fleets, and offering heating and cooking options. Empirical evidence supports the notion that biofuels effectively reduce carbon and sulphur emissions. Notably, certain biofuels, such as algal biodiesel, have the capacity to mitigate 0.6% of carbon dioxide output. Cities, such as Delhi, that are contaminated by the consumption of fossil fuels have a scarcity of breathing oxygen during the winter and elevated ambient temperatures during the summer. These pioneers cause inundation and tempests in vulnerable regions. The lessons acquired from various locations highlight the importance of cooperation, enhancing capabilities, and providing governmental support in order to replicate and expand successful models. To optimize the advantages of biofuels in crisis management, it is crucial to prioritize research and development projects, involve stakeholders, and raise awareness. The role of national and international policy is vital in providing incentives for the production and use of biofuels, while technical advancements are key in shaping the future of sustainability and efficiency. Communities may utilize the ideas of sustainability and resilience to leverage the transformational potential of biofuels in order to construct societies that are safer, more environmentally friendly, and better equipped to withstand challenges.

АНТИКРИЗОВЕ УПРАВЛІННЯ ФІНАНСАМИ: СТРАТЕГІЇ ТА ІНСТРУМЕНТИ ДЛЯ ПОДОЛАННЯ КРИЗОВИХ СИТУАЦІЙ

In the article, anti-crisis financial management is singled out as a complex system aimed at preventive activities and active actions to overcome existing financial difficulties or minimize their negative impact. This approach includes interconnected elements of management aimed at using all management capabilities to ensure the stability and development of the company in crisis conditions. The main aspects of anti-crisis financial management include preventive measures, including a detailed analysis of internal strengths and weaknesses, risk assessment, risk management and the introduction of a set of measures to prevent a crisis, as well as active financial intervention to exit a crisis state through rehabilitation or restructuring. An important element is the diagnosis of the financial condition, which allows you to detect early signs of crisis phenomena, analyze market conditions, identify the causes and factors of the development of the crisis, and determine the optimal ways to overcome it. A significant role is also played by the enterprise's ability to self-heal at the expense of internal resources, which help to restore financial stability with minimal costs. It is justified that the anti-crisis management strategy is developed individually for each enterprise, taking into account its specifics, and may include both defensive tactics and offensive strategies, depending on the available opportunities for market expansion or attracting external financing. The basis of effective management is an understanding of the company's mission, a clear definition of its strategic goals and the development of an action plan that allows you to achieve the objectives, minimize risks and use the crisis as an opportunity for development and growth. The study offers a new conceptual model that integrates various aspects of crisis management, including prevention, risk identification, strategic planning and operational actions. This model allows for a systematic approach to solving crisis situations at the enterprise, taking into account its specifics and external environment.

Marketing Сommunication during the Crisis: Strategies for Customer Recovery and Retention

"During an economic crisis, customers’ purchasing ability decreases, and company revenues become unpredictable. However, the crisis is not always a negative phenomenon and a profit decline but a chance to improve the company’s performance. Innovativeness, client orientation, customer retention, and close interaction with them are key to business development success. The article complemented the theoretical aspects of crisis management. It also substantiates the importance of strategic marketing and the formation of marketing strategies in crisis management. The authors highlighted the causes of customer outflow and the increasing importance of customer retention. The paper identified and substantiated the basic principles and methods of building an anti-crisis marketing strategy for customer recovery and retention. The authors indicated the main goal of the strategy, which is to increase profits and reduce the cost of attracting new customers. They also described the indicators for evaluating the customer retention process. The study analyzed the concepts, strategies, and tools for customer recovery, retention, and acquisition and identified their features. Their application in the practical activities of a company during a crisis period was grounded in overcoming crises and promoting successful company operations in the current and future periods."

Organizational resilience: unveiling the role of strategic internal crisis management on employee sensemaking and sensegiving

PurposeCommunication with employees during times of crisis has become a crucial aspect of crisis management for building organizational resilience knowledge. Thus, explaining how internal crisis management promotes positive employee behaviour has become imperative. This study aims to investigate the relationship between internal crisis communication, job engagement, Organizational Citizenship Behaviour towards the Environment, Communicative behaviour for sensemaking and sensegiving and organizational resilience.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was conducted with 483 full-time employees in Pakistan. The structural equation modelling technique was employed to assess the study's hypotheses.FindingsThe findings of this study demonstrate that internal crisis communication can boost employee job engagement, organizational citizenship behaviour towards environment, sensemaking and sensegiving, which will also have a downstream effect on organizational resilience.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study indicated that effective internal communication can aid managers in making well-informed decisions, coordinating response efforts and disseminating vital information to relevant stakeholders. As a result, this study contributes to the literature on internal crisis management by incorporating employee behavioural intention towards the environment. It provides managers and practitioners with knowledge on managing employees during a crisis.Originality/valueSurprisingly, the conservation of resource theory (COR) does not explain communicative conduct (sensegiving) and environmental (e.g. organizational citizenship behaviour towards environment) components. This research combines the tenets of COR theory that have yet to be researched with the employees' environmental responses element. The mechanisms of cognition and communication were also ignored in earlier studies. This study sheds light on the process through which higher levels of job engagement, organizational citizenship behaviour towards environment and the capacity for comprehension (e.g. sensemaking) and meaning-transmission (e.g. sensegiving) ultimately help organizations navigate the crisis successfully.

ANTI-CRISIS MANAGEMENT AS A BASIS FOR THE FORMATION OF A FINANCIAL MECHANISM FOR THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS

Crisis management is an important tool for managing modern agricultural businesses, especially in the face of uncertainty and changes in the market. This article examines the role of crisis management as a key element in the formation of a financial mechanism for the sustainable development of the agricultural sector. It analyses the main aspects of crisis management in agricultural business and its impact on the formation of a sustainable financial mechanism. The relationship between crisis management and sustainable development of the agrarian sector is studied. The possibilities of using the principles of crisis management to improve the financial stability and competitiveness of agricultural enterprises are determined. As a result, the article emphasizes the importance of crisis management as a key factor in the formation of a sustainable financial mechanism for achieving sustainable development of agricultural businesses. As follows, the scientific novelty in the article lies in several key aspects: integration of crisis management and sustainable development; application of crisis management principles to agriculture; emphasis on financial mechanisms: the article focuses on the financial aspect of crisis management and sustainable development in agriculture. Thus, the scientific novelty of the article lies in its innovative approach to integrating crisis management principles into the agricultural context, emphasizing the financial mechanism involved in the pursuit of sustainable development in the agricultural sector. The results of the study can be useful for agricultural entrepreneurs, managers, academics, and regulators to improve management strategies and increase the sustainability of the agricultural sector.

Financial and legal aspects of crisis management in Russia

Crisis phenomena can significantly affect economic processes in any state of the world. The way out of the crisis situation, one way or another, is connected with a change in approaches to legal regulation, in particular, financial relations. In some areas of public relations, there is a weakening of legal regulation, the scope of freedom of action of economic entities increasing. This article is devoted to the current problems of crisis management in Russia. Attention is paid to modern legislation, the provisions of which mitigate the legal impact on economic entities, expand the limits of freedom, establish mechanisms for financial support of citizens, organizations, individual entrepreneurs. The paper evaluates the role of restrictive and permissive legal approaches as a measure of economic relations management.Based on the results of the study, the main aspects of modern anti-crisis management in various spheres of life are formulated.

Point of equilibrity. A narrative video game on decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis

IntroductionPoint of Equilibrity (PoE) is a narrative game designed and developed with the aim to simulate the COVID-19 pandemic from a government's point of view and offer different perspectives on the complexity of managing a pandemic crisis. The players are called to make important decisions during a health crisis in the simulated environment while considering significant historic and topical events, as well as possible economic, political, and social implications.MethodsThis paper presents the results of a user study with 37 adult participants aiming to examine (1) the effect of PoE gameplay on the players' perspective on the management of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, and (2) the effect of the players' FFM and DMQ personality traits profile on the game experience and the decision-making process. The participants played the game and then were asked to fill in an on-line questionnaire.Results and discussionThe results suggest that the game design offered an engaging game experience and was effective to promote reflection and perspective taking on different aspects of crisis management, as well as the supporting role of relevant historical information in the decision-making process. The study also reports correlations between specific personality traits, such the DMQ Thoroughness and Principled, the FFM Conscientiousness and Openness to experience with specific aspects of the game experience, such as absorption, perspective taking and the preference for more choices in the gameplay.

Exploring the Functioning of Online Self-Organizations during Public Health Emergencies: Patterns and Mechanism

With the increasing use of social media, online self-organized relief has become a crucial aspect of crisis management during public health emergencies, leading to the emergence of online self-organizations. This study employed the BERT model to classify the replies of Weibo users and used K-means clustering to summarize the patterns of self-organized groups and communities. We then combined the findings from pattern discovery and documents from online relief networks to analyze the core components and mechanisms of online self-organizations. Our findings indicate the following: (1) The composition of online self-organized groups follows Pareto's law. (2) Online self-organized communities are mainly composed of sparse and small groups with loose connections, and bot accounts can automatically identify those in need and provide them with helpful information and resources. (3) The core components of the mechanism of online self-organized rescue groups include the initial gathering of groups, the formation of key groups, the generation of collective action, and the establishment of organizational norms. This study suggests that social media can establish an authentication mechanism for online self-organizations, and that authorities should encourage online interactive live streams about public health issues. However, it is important to note that self-organizations are not a panacea for all issues during public health emergencies.

The Impact of Sustainability Model on the Sustainable Production during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Purpose: This research aims to give managers and organizations with the best means and practices for maintaining sustainable production with the use of SSCM practices during challenging periods, such as global crises, pandemics, or any other circumstance that impacts the business. Design/Methodology: The research sample comprised of managers and department heads employed by enterprises in the Industrial area of Jeddah who were situated in various industries. This research used a non-probability sampling approach with roughly 260 responses from diverse industries. Findings: Each of the variables of the sustainability model have a positive impact on sustainability production during the pandemic with organizational culture, as an exception. Based on the findings, it was found that organizational culture did not affect the sustainability production. Research Implications: In terms of profitability, sustainable enterprises with a networked structure and strong virtuality outperform hierarchical organizations. In difficult situations, shared leadership should be utilized to quickly gather information from all functional areas. People-driven companies are better positioned to endure COVID-19 and future viral outbreaks. Before and after crises, successful organizations utilize ICT to build trust and relationships with employees, stakeholders, and customers. Finally, balancing resource hoarding with resilience is crucial. Continuous functioning of companies requires equipment, cognitive, and human capital. After a pandemic, an organization's capacity to analyze financial sustainability and find other funding sources is critical to survival. Companies with financial contingency plans allowed operations to flourish. Originality/value: This study focuses on the impact of network structure, resilience, organizational culture, distributed leadership, ICT and financial contingency on production sustainability during the pandemic. This study provided a channel for further research on distributive leadership and organizational culture to understand the different aspects of crisis management, especially with respect to Saudi Arabia and the effect of the pandemic on sustainable production Keywords: Sustainability, Production, Resilience, Network, ICT, pandemic, COVID-19, Crisis management Paper type: Research paper

ОБЩЕЕ И ОСОБЕННОЕ В ПОДХОДАХ К ОБЕСПЕЧЕНИЮ СОЦИЕТАЛЬНОЙ БЕЗОПАСНОСТИ КАК КРИЗИСНОГО МЕНЕДЖМЕНТА В ЕС И ЧЕШСКОЙ РЕСПУБЛИКЕ В ПЕРИОД ПАНДЕМИИ COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic was a challenge for the EU as an integration association and for all its member states. To counteract the cross-border crisis triggered by the coronavirus, policies within the association and the interaction of member states had to be clearly coordinated. In reality, however, the approaches taken by member states to deal with the pandemic differed at almost every stage of it. An example of that was the Czech Republic and its unique approach to a significant number of aspects of crisis management. Using the concept of societal security as a theoretical basis, the article analyzes the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic to the EU, revealing the specifics of the Czech Republic's approach to crisis management (in comparison with the general European approach), and analyzing the public perception of the COVID-19 pandemic and the related crisis management policies at the EU and Czech Republic levels. It is concluded that the peculiarities of the approach to social security in the Czech Republic are primarily due to the peculiarities of the perception of the coronavirus as a threat, as well as to the anti-crisis policies implemented at the Czech and EU levels.

Evaluation of crisis management based on the seven principles of resilience engineering in selected hospitals affiliated to Yazd University of Medical Sciences in 2021

Introduction: The use of resilience engineering principles is a commonly used method for the assessment of crisis management in hospitals as a part of the health system. The present study aimed to evaluate crisis management based on the seven principles of resilience engineering in selected hospitals affiliated to Yazd University of Medical Sciences in 2021. Methods: In this study, a crisis management evaluation questionnaire based on the seven principles of resilience engineering in hospitals was used. The reliability and validity of this questionnaire were confirmed by Azadian et al. in a previous study. The required data were collected from administrative and clinical managers and nurses. The mean score of the seven principles was obtained, making it possible to compare crisis management in all three selected hospitals (Shahid Sadoughi, Afshar, and Shahid Rahnamoun) in Yazd. Findings: The mean score of resilience engineering principles was determined, and the overall crisis management score of each hospital was determined. The mean scores of crisis management were calculated at 136.53, 135.23, and 132.07 out of a total score of 220 in Shahid Sadoughi, Shahid Rahnamoun, and Afshar hospitals. Nonetheless, the mean score in flexibility and preparedness components in some hospitals was below 0.6 of the total score. Conclusion: The situation of crisis management in all three hospitals was evaluated to be at a good level. However, some corrective measures were required to be implemented in some components to improve crisis management in all three hospitals. It is necessary to take appropriate measures to enhance the preparedness of the three hospitals in different aspects of crisis management, especially flexibility, to arrive at a more favorable level.

Specifying the notion of “Institutional anti-crisis management of a region”

Objective: to develop a new approach to the definition of regional anti-crisis management, taking the institutional factors into account.Methods: abstract-logical method is used. The paper uses the evolutionary approach that made it possible to clarify the current state of the concept under study and offer a vision of its future understanding.Results: currently, the essence of anti-crisis management of a region is virtually not studied in the scientific literature. In the article, the author analyzes scientific approaches to the definition and essence of institutional aspects of crisis management. It is noted that when defining institutional crisis management, researchers adhere to various approaches: the concept is considered as a conflict resolution process, as a system of institutional forms, as an impact on rules, or as a mechanism. The existing approaches to the concept of anti-crisis management of a region or municipality are analyzed. As a result of their critical assessment, it was found that insufficient attention has been paid to the institutional approach in the definition of regional crisis management; a large number of definitions do not consider crisis counteraction; some definitions were considered within the framework of approaches that do not fully disclose the essence of crisis management. The author’s concept of “institutional crisis management of the region” was proposed in the context of current trends and prospects for the transition to institutional crisis management of a region.Scientific novelty: the novelty of the current understanding of institutional crisis management in a region lies in the integration of two approaches: a package of anti-crisis measures and projects and a more precise distinction between explicit and implicit crises. The novelty of the future understanding of this definition (which is necessary to strive for) consists in its consideration from the position of conditional continuity, taking into account informal rules and paying increased attention to countering anti-Russia sanctions at the regional level. The novelty also lies in the use of an evolutionary approach, which demonstrated an improvement in the current understanding of the essence of institutional crisis management of a region.Practical significance: the analysis of the definitions of crisis management, as well as the formed approach to the concept of institutional crisis management can be used for an in-depth study of this aspect. In addition, the considered institutional factors can be implemented into the system of regional crisis management.

7.M. Round table: Preparedness & response for emergency situations: joined forces of H2020projects in the PREPAREcluster

Abstract In recent years, there have been increasing instances of cross-border crises, including climate change, terrorism, international trade disputes and global health threats. These emergency situations require large-scale planning for preparedness and response in order for countries to be able to cope with unforeseen challenges. Especially the COVID-19 crisis had a huge impact on European countries and the daily lives of its citizens. The pandemic has proven to be more than a health crisis; it is a human, economic and social crisis, impacting people, societies and economies at their core. The European Commission has recently funded many projects (in the Horizon 2020 program, H2020) to work on different aspects of crisis management, many with a focus on managing pandemics. While each project has distinct aims and challenges, they all work towards a common goal. It is for this reason that thirteen EU-funded H2020 projects, with a combined funding of €72 million, have united to form the PREparedness and resPonse for emergency situAtions in euRopE (PREPARE) cluster. Each of the thirteen projects is tackling challenges specifically looking at the preparedness and response phases of crisis management and working together they aim to achieve stronger results and greater impact for their cause. Together CO-VERSATILE, COVID-X, COVINFORM, EUR3KA, LINKS, NO FEAR, PANDEM-2, PathoCERT, PERISCOPE, PHIRI, RISKPACC, STAMINA and STRATEGY will explore synergies, research opportunities and deliver joint activities to maximise impact. Through mutual support, the cluster will strengthen the response to the ongoing crisis and the aim to be better prepared for future health crises. In a round table discussion, a selection of these H2020 will briefly present their contribution to crisis preparedness and resilience of European countries (25 min). These brief presentations will be followed by a round table discussion (35 min), touching upon topics such as common findings (building trust, health inequalities, training and capacity building, addressing stakeholder diversity); and the dissemination and exploitation of the results to the general public, to researchers, to (public) health professionals and policy makers, Finally, as many of these projects end in 2022/2023, what are the next steps or threats, what should be the highest priority for future Horizon Europe projects? The audience will be able to provide their view on the different topics through an interactive voting poll during the session. Throughout the session, the exchange of knowledge, experiences and opinions with the audience will be facilitated by the chairs. Key messages • The actionable outcomes of the major Horizon 2020 projects provide key-input for political decision-making in preparedness and response scenarios. • The PREPARE cluster builds a sustainable structure for large-scale planning for preparedness and response for countries to be able to cope with unforeseen challenges. Speakers/Panellists Claudia Habl Gesundheit Österreich GmbH, Austrian National Public Health Institute, Vienna, Austria Brigita Kairiene National Public Health Centre, Ministry of Health, Vilnius, Lithuania Claudia Houareau Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany Jil Molenaar University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium Claim Rafalowski Magen David Adom, Or Yehuda, Israel

Science, policy and resilience: reflections on the role of scientific advice to government during pandemic crisis response

PurposeThe SARS epidemic in 2003 and the COVID-19 pandemic had a disruptive impact on countries around the world and highlight the importance of using scientific evidence to inform policy decisions and priorities during crises. The purpose of this article is to reflect upon the term “following the science” and examines the differences between SARS in 2003 and COVID-19.Design/methodology/approachThis study is exploratory, adopts a qualitative approach and reflects on the synthesis of scientific evidence into advice informing government decisions on health interventions. Random sampling of the literature was used to avoid bias and was guided by the keywords.FindingsIt considers preparedness activities and the need for these to be integral in the design of future planning. It argues that simulation exercises be intrinsically linked to all aspects of crisis management and provide the opportunity to use the scientific evidence base as part of preparedness planning. The article concludes that more transparency in the use of scientific advice in strategic decision-making would support building more resilience into health emergency preparedness through an integrated systems approach.Originality/valueThis article contributes to the literature on the evaluation of the “following the science” approach and its implementation. It also contributes to the limited literature on simulation exercising to deal with health crises, like pandemics and identifies potential areas for further research or work on developing an integrated systems approach to pandemic preparedness.

THEORETICAL APPROACHES TO CRISIS MANAGEMENT DURING THE INFORMATION WAR

The study is devoted to crisis management in information warfare. Modern society, transformed into an information society, together with access to information and knowledge has received new threats to personal and national security. Information and communication are realized in the information space, which is a social or geographical space within which typical communication processes take place. Its subjects are individuals, social groups and organizations, and its objects are information or those who receive this information. The field of information warfare is constantly expanding, but its main part remains the media and the Internet. The purpose of the research is to describe and analyze the methods of crisis management of any organization in conditions of information warfare. Methodology. Since crisis management is seen as a process of interrelated functions, at the pre-crisis stage of its formation it is necessary to find out the factors that can prevent a crisis situation, to develop strategic business marketing plans, control risk factors to avoid possible losses and negative consequences. When developing strategies and management methods that prevent a crisis situation (pre-crisis management), preference is given to factors and tools that can activate the exit from the crisis (crisis management), and then to strategies aimed at renewal and post-crisis management systems. Results. Considering that information warfare is universal and can be implemented in all spheres of life, including economic, it affects the efficiency of the enterprise. In such a situation anti-crisis management is used, the purpose of which determines its stages: planning of strategies and programs; organization of optimal structure; motivation of personnel; control of timely changes. In accordance with the purpose of crisis management, its positive results can be observed in: restoring the financial equilibrium of the enterprise; alignment of imbalances of internal and external parameters of the enterprise; ensuring the financial stabilization of enterprises; ensuring and maintaining the viability of the enterprise. Another aspect of crisis management is public administration, which is implemented in the creation of a system of interaction between the state and the market economy, with the ability to overcome macro- and microeconomic crises, provided through financial and legislative regulation, industrial policy and income redistribution.

The compatibility of multiple leadership styles in responding to a complex crisis: leading a health service COVID-19 response

PurposeThe health service response to COVID-19 provided a unique opportunity to build our understanding of the leadership styles in use in managing a crisis event. Existing literature emphasises command and control leadership; however, there has been less emphasis on relational approaches and the behaviours necessary to ensure the agility of the response and minimise the risk of relational disturbances. The purpose of this paper is to understand leadership styles in use, as part of a health service response to COVID-19.Design/methodology/approachThis paper draws on data from semi-structured interviews with 27 executives and senior leaders from a tertiary health service in Australia. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. Notes and examples were coded according to deductively derived criteria around leadership styles and competencies from the literature, while remaining open to emergent themes.FindingsHealth system leaders described examples of both command and control and relational leadership behaviours. This dually provided the discipline (command and control) and agility (relational) required of the crisis response. While some leaders experienced discomfort in enacting these dual behaviours, this discomfort related to discordance with leadership preferences rather than conflict between the styles. Both leadership approaches were considered necessary to effectively manage the health system response.Originality/valueCrisis management literature has typically focused on defining and measuring the effectiveness of behaviours reflective of a command and control leadership response. Very few studies have considered the relational aspects of crisis management, nor the dual approaches of command and control, and relational leadership.

Twitter Mediated Sociopolitical Communication During the COVID-19 Pandemic Crisis in India.

While Twitter has grown popular among political leaders as a means of computer-mediated mass media communication alternative, the COVID-19 pandemic required new strategies for socio-political communication to handle such a crisis. Using the case of India, which was one of the worst-hit countries and is also the world’s largest democracy, this research explicates how political leaders responded to the COVID-19 crisis on Twitter during the first wave as it was the first time such a crisis occurred. Theoretical frameworks of discursive leadership and situational crisis communication theory have been used to analyze interactions based on the usage patterns, the content of communication, the extent of usage in relation to the severity of the crisis, and the possible role of leaders’ position along with the status of their political party. The sample consisted of tweets posted by six prominent political leaders in India across the four consecutive lockdown periods from 25th March to 31st May 2020. A total of 4,158 tweets were scrapped and after filtering for retweets, the final dataset consisted of 2,809 original tweets. Exploratory data analysis, sentiment analysis, and content analysis were conducted. It was found that the tweets had an overall positive sentiment, an important crisis management strategy. Four main themes emerged: crisis management information, strengthening followers’ resilience and trust, reputation management, and leaders’ proactiveness. By focusing on such discursive aspects of crisis management, the study comprehensively highlights how political interactions on twitter integrated with politics and governance to handle COVID-19 in India. The study has implications for the fields of digital media interaction, political communication, public relations, and crisis leadership.

The psychological impact of the COVID-19 crisis on young Swiss men participating in a cohort study.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused many disturbances to daily life worldwide and may also have significantly affected people's psychological well-being. The present study aimed to describe the psychological impact of the crisis on our sample of young Swiss men and to examine differences due to their linguistic region, experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and living arrangements. Based on an ongoing cohort study, we assessed a general-population sample of young Swiss men (n = 2345; average 29 years old) shortly before (from April 2019) and early on during the COVID-19 crisis (between 13 May and 8 June 2020). This was a unique opportunity to estimate the crisis' psychological impact in the form of depression, perceived stress and sleep quality (assessed before and during COVID-19), and any crisis-induced fears, isolation or psychological trauma. Associations of psychological impact with living arrangements, experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and linguistic region (German-speaking vs French-speaking) were investigated using linear regression models. By the time participants responded to our questionnaire, less than 1% had been tested positive for COVID-19, 2.6% had been tested negative and 14.7% had had some COVID-19 symptoms but had not been tested. About 8.2% of the sample reported at least some symptoms of psychological trauma (≥24 points on the Impact of Event Scale). On average, participants reported higher levels of fear for others (43.6% at least moderate) and economic fear (12.7% at least moderate) than fear for themselves (5.8% at least moderate). Those living alone and those who reported having COVID-19 symptoms themselves, or knowing someone with symptoms, reported higher overall psychological impact in the form of depression, perceived stress, sleep quality, psychological trauma, fear and isolation. Associations with linguistic region varied by outcome, with higher levels of depression and fear in French-speaking regions and higher levels of perceived stress and isolation in German-speaking regions. The crisis had a considerable impact on the psychological well-being of our sample of young Swiss men, and some groups were more affected than others: those living alone and those who had shown COVID-19 symptoms themselves or had known someone with symptoms may have felt a greater psychological impact from the crisis. Supporting those at a higher risk of psychological consequences in such crises, whether through structural measures or via individual support, should be an important aspect of crisis management and could help reduce the overall impact of the current pandemic on Switzerland's population.

Civilian CSPD Missions as European Union's Response to International Crises: Selected Aspects of Crisis Management

This article provides an overview of EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions’ crisis management achievements and challenges since 2003, in connection with the European External Action Service (EEAS), the Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability (CPCC) Directorate, and their respective roles. The analysis describes and evaluates the changes in the overall political and security context and the EU’s approach, suggesting some of the consequences in the launch and implementation of civilian CSDP Missions. The article also discusses the evolution of the EU’s integrated approach to external conflict and crises, and its cooperation with other security actors. The concluding remarks compare achievements and shortcomings of ongoing missions against their mandates and objectives, outlining some selected EU initiatives which aim at improving the EU’s performance in crisis management situations.