Texas Tech University

Crisis Communication

Crisis Communication

During times of crisis, effective communication is essential to cope with crisis events, coordinate actions among all involved, and speed up recovery.  Whether the crisis is a natural disaster, corporate challenge, or any other type of sudden even that threatens an organization, business, or government entity, communication plays a key role in ensuring resilience to the crisis event.  Crisis communication involves not only coping with events when they occur, but also making sure organizations have effective plans in place to ensure effectiveness communication when a threat occurs.  Researchers in the College of Media & Communication have explored multiple facets in the process of preparing for and responding to crisis in many settings, including health care and natural disasters.

Preparing for Crisis

One of the most important things that shapes how an organization responds to crisis is how much it has prepared for when threatening events occur.  One function of public relations professionals within an organization is helping shape that plan, as well as helping navigate through times of crisis.  Research from public relations professor Dr. Weiwu Zhang explores how PR professionals interact with others in an organization to help prepare for and cope with crises when they occur. Read the full article.

A Guide for Crisis Communication Centers

One way to make sure that organizations and communities are ready to respond to threatening events and times of crisis is to prepare crisis communication centers.  These centers help plan for the worst before it happens.  Communication studies professor Dr. Bolanle Olaniran’s co-authored handbook provides a comprehensive resource to help describe these centers, their role, and how they can help benefit communities. Read the full article.

Crisis & Risk Research Faculty



Learn more about CoMC research areas