Theorizing Crisis Communication

Theorizing Crisis Communication presents a comprehensive review and critique of the broad range of theoretical frameworks designed to explain the role of communication in the development, management, and consequences of natural and man-made crises.* Brings together the variety of theoretical approaches emerging in the study of crisis communication into one volume for the first time.* Summarizes theories from such diverse perspectives as rhetoric, risk management, ethics, mass communication, social media, emergency response, crisis outcomes, and warning systems, while presenting clear examples of how the theory is applied in crisis communication research* Presents theoretical frameworks generated by research from many disciplines including sociology, psychology, applied anthropology, public health, public relations, political science, organizational studies, and criminal justice* An essential tool for a comprehensive understanding of the onset, management, response, resolution, and ultimate meaning of these devastating world events

Notes on Authors viii1 Introduction to Crisis Communication Theory 1Defining Crisis 4Defining Communication 10Theory 15Plan for This Book 21Conclusion 222 Theories of Communication and Crisis Development 25Assumptions of Stage Models 27Three-Stage Model 30Fink's Four-Stage Cycle 33Turner's Six-Stage Sequence of Failure in Foresight 37Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication 40Conclusion 453 Theories of Communication and Warning 49Detection of Risks 50Functional Approaches to Communication and Warning 51Hear-Confirm-Understand-Decide-Respond Model 57Protective Action Decision Model 60Integrated Model of Food Recall 67Emerging Warning Systems 71Conclusion 724 Theories of Communication and Crisis Outcomes 76Organizational Learning 77Sensemaking 83Organizational Legitimacy 87Situational Crisis Communication Theory 91Discourse of Renewal 96Conclusion 1005 Theories of Communication and Emergency Response105Assumptions of Communication and Emergency Response 107Chaos Theory and Emergent Self-Organization 108Theories of Communication and Crisis Coordination 114Communication and Community Resilience 122Four-Channel Model of Communication 127Conclusion 1326 Theories of Communication and Mediated Crises 138News Framing Theory 140Focusing Events 143Uses and Gratifications Theory 147Crisis News Diffusion 151Diffusion of Innovations 154Conclusion 1587 Theories of Influence and Crisis Communication 163Apologia 165Image Repair 168Kategoria 172Dramatism 176Narrative Theory 181Conclusion 1848 Theories of Communication and Risk Management 188Mindfulness 190High Reliability Organizations 195Precautionary Principle 200Cultural Theory 204Risk Communication as Argument 208Conclusion 2129 Theories of Crisis Communication and Ethics 217Ethics 218Crisis Communication as an Ethical Domain 221Responsible Communication 223Significant Choice 225The Ethic of Care 227Virtue Ethics 229Justice 230Applications of Moral Theory to Crisis 232Conclusion 23510 Using Theories of Crisis Communication 239Minimization of Communication in an All-Hazards Approach 240The Practicality of Theory in Understanding Crisis Communication242The Pathway for Inspiring Meaningful Change 243Successful Connections Linking Theory-Based Research andPractitioners 245Promising New Lines of Research 250Persistent Challenges 257A Final Word 259Index 263