The book begins with an extended discussion of applied theory, including the theory building process, to help the reader appreciate how theory can connect to the practice of crisis communication. This discussion is followed by chapters each explaining a theory and using an evidence-based approach to explore how that theory illuminates and applies to crisis communication practice.
Crisis communication is the life blood of crisis management: when communication is ineffective so is the crisis management effort. This book emphasizes the role of communication throughout the crisis management process. W. Timothy Coombs uses a three-staged approach to crisis management - pre-crisis, crisis, and post-crisis.
Offers a clear explanation of the traditional role of PR, while also includes extensive discussions of exciting contemporary issues often neglected in other texts, including transparency, corporate social responsibility, reputation managemnet, activism, risk communication and social marketing