Good Example Of The Individuals Or Groups That Will Be Communicating Inside And Outside The Organization During This Crisis Situation Term Paper

Communication and Crisis Paper

Communication and Crisis Paper
Communication is an extremely challenging task during an emergency. Effective communication requires hard work; therefore, an organization leader needs to exhibit various attributes such as excellent listening skills, being focused and prepared to handle any emergency (Griese, 2002). Credibility and trust are paramount to enhancing effective communication. In times of a crisis, communication need to be perceived as a process that is checked, planned and delivered. Communication primary objective in times of an emergency is to enhance understanding between participants (the audience and the communicator). In the communication process, these participants always create, share, and exchange information, opinions, and thoughts (Griese, 2002).
Being the director of a Regional Emergency Management Office, my ability to effectively communicate is vital and necessary in my job. Well-executed and well-planned communication in an emergency and crisis response can aid in reducing suffering and deaths. For this reason, effective communication in times of crisis requires a detailed comprehension of the goals, audiences, message as well as how to achieve the desired outcomes. Equally, it requires an understanding and acceptance of the role played by the communicator in times of an emergency, which, in this case, is the contamination of the public water supplies of several towns in the area with life-threatening biological agent

During the crisis situations, individuals that will be communicating within the organization include organizational employees, to be precise, the departmental heads as well as the organization director. Those, who will be communicating outside the organization, include the media, the political elites, and the community leaders. The media is responsible for framing the emergency situation, which, in this case, is the contamination of public water supplies of several towns with a life-threatening biological agent. The media will make use of various technologies to pass this message to the public including the use of mobile phones, e-mail, and the internet. The political elites will make use of the public gatherings to pass the message across whereas the community leaders will make use of community meetings.
In fact, in times of crisis, organization managers primarily focuses on exchanging information externally by getting in touch with partners, creditors, suppliers, and customers. However, crisis often results in confusion and panic in the organization, especially among employees. For this reason, having in place a clear communication process before a disaster strikes is paramount. Organization employees often feel vulnerable when a company is facing a crisis because they depend on it to sustain their families and livelihoods. Rumors often emerge if there is no clear communication triggering emotional pressure and distress. However, as the director of a Regional Emergency Management Office, I will utilize such moments to reinforce the morale, openness, and trust among employees.

Probable Benefits and Challenges Linked With Communicating Within the Organization and With the Public and Private Sectors during This Crisis

Advantages
Communicating within the authorities mentioned above during this crisis situation will reduce panic because the message will reach the target audience in a timely and accurate manner (WHO, 2005). As the director of a Regional Emergency Management Office, I perfectly comprehend that selecting a communication channel in times of a crisis determines successful delivery of the message. Thus, by using the above- mentioned organizations, the message regarding the crisis will reach the target audience such as the inhabitants of the various towns whose public water supplies system is alleged to be contaminated with a life-threatening biological agent. In times of crisis, the public expect to get information from their leaders. They are often worried whether they are safe or not and what the concerned parties are doing to safeguard them from the effects of the crisis. By sharing information in times of crisis in an accurate and timely manner, helps in eliminating misunderstandings and rumors that might trigger indifference, suspicion, panic, and fear.

Challenges

Communicating within the organization and with the public and private sectors during the crisis situation mentioned above might result in conflicting messages. Consistent and clear communication is paramount in addressing audience concerns in times of crises. However, the involvement of various sectors in information dissemination might result in conflicting messages resulting in panic to the public. For this reason, before any message is communicated, the organization chain of authority will ensure that the information shared is appropriate and meets my communication goals. The message will contain what the public should do regarding the situation and assure them that everything is being done to find out if indeed the public water supply is contaminated with a life threatening bacteria.

Differences in Communication Processes during Crisis Situations and How They Can be applied to Improve Health Care Communication Strategies

CDC officials utilize social media to create awareness among the public using their” Hurricane Tip of the Week” which is often text messaged or emailed to individuals who have subscribed to those tips, or posted on hurricane website(Currie, 2009). The strategy is utilized by CDC to create awareness among the public regarding health-related issues. In fact, excellent clinical practice requires accurate communication of critical information among healthcare professionals. For this reason, ineffective communication puts patients at risk due to the information misinterpretation, inadequate critical information, and vague orders over the telephone. Equally, lack of effective communication results in medical errors that might cause unexpected death or severe injury (Currie, 2009). From the above discussion, it is obvious that effective communication in times of crisis and in the healthcare sector is paramount. Failure to effectively communicate might result in panic and in some instance death and suffering.

How Appropriate Technology Such As Media Affects Communication during a Crisis

Social media refers to a wide range of applications, technologies, and electronic tools that enhances content exchange and interactive communication (Currie, 2009). As a consequence of this technology, users can assume the role of both content producers and audience. Social media expansion including broadcast text message, Twitter, Facebook, blogs, and websites has transformed the manner in which individuals are involved in crisis situations. Social media in times of a crisis is often employed to convey significant information to a larger group of audience instantly. Ideally, social media enhances awareness creation and speeds up the process of communication during an emergency situation (Currie, 2009). The kind awareness created by the social media lacked during the malfunctioning of the 1979 Three Mile Island nuclear reactor as well as the 2005 Hurricane Katrina. Despite the significance of social media in enhancing strategic public participation, it has its challenges. Some of its limitations are lack of privacy and a threat to fake information circulating across the world at a faster speed.

Media Opportunities during the Management of Public Water Supplies Being Contaminated With Life-Threatening Biological Agent Crisis

The crisis above presents the media with an opportunity to inform the public regarding the danger of consuming water from the public water supplies and the way forward. With reference to this issue, the media should provide the public with general comments if they do not have any facts to prevent the public from panicking. Additionally, media reporters can take this opportunity to acquire basic information quickly and easily and portray their interest on the issue. For instance, by visiting the scene of the crisis and giving a formal statement that includes the director of the Regional Emergency Management Office plans to examine the incident, as well as updated information about the whole situation. Additionally, the media can make use of this opportunity to calm the public.

References

Currie, D.(2009). Expert Round Table on Social Media and Risk Communication during Times of Crisis: Strategic Challenges and Opportunities. USA: American Public Health Association Special Report.
Griese, N. (2002). How To Manage Organizational Communication During Crisis: A seminar guide and primer of best practices for public relations professionals. Tucker GA: Anvil publishers.
WHO (World Health Organization). (2005). Effective media communication during public health emergencies: A WHO handbook. Geneva: WHO.