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Issues and crisis management

People

Ingenhoff D.

Course director

Description

Companies and institutions today need to take into account an increasing number of publics ready
to take action on issues that concern them, and for which they hold these organizations responsible.
The increasing complexity of social, economic and technological systems is also the reason why the
number of crises that can potentially harm a company is constantly growing. Active issues
management and well-prepared crisis communication plans have therefore become standard
management tools in well-run companies.
Students will learn about the processes and structures of issues and crisis management, both in
theory and practice. Through the use of case studies, empirical research studies, and by means of
analysis of the problems and the expectations of the stakeholders concerned, students will gain
knowledge about issues and crisis management policies and tools. In a crisis simulation exercise,
they will also have the chance to apply and deepen their knowledge on issues and crisis
communication.

 

Objectives

 To give participants informed insights into the basic elements and terms of the interrelated
concepts on issues and crisis management as part of a corporate communication strategy
(identity, image, reputation, issues, crisis, issues management, crisis management,
stakeholder theory, public sphere).

To learn more about crisis communication theories, reputation and issues management, the
role of activists, internet contagion theory, stakeholder theory, business ethics and CSR,
and the role of culture.

To give insights into the overall issues and crisis management processes and structures in
today’s companies, including challenges like the development of issues in Social Media.

To prepare for critical communication situations and developing a crisis communication
plan in a case study.

To practice the acquired knowledge in a full-day crisis simulation exercise.

To develop the ability to think critically and creatively about issues and crisis through
collaborative working in small groups on selected case studies and through analyzing
current PR issues.

 

Grading
Group work (presentation and case study): 40%
Written exam: 60%

Textbooks
Selected reading material will be provided in class.

Enrollment required. Limited number of participants.

Education