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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