Why practitioners do (not) apply crisis communication theory in practice. Issue 5 (1st November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Claeys, An-Sofie; Opgenhaffen, Michaël
• Is Part Of: Journal of public relations research. Volume 28:Issue 5/6(2016)
• Page Start: 232
• Page End: 247
• Publication Date: 2016-11-01
• Subjects: Apologies -- crisis communication -- responsibility -- scholar-practitioner divide -- stealing thunder; Public relations -- Periodicals; Public relations -- Research -- Periodicals; 659.205
• DOI: 10.1080/1062726X.2016.1261703
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1062-726X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Twenty-five in-depth interviews with Belgian crisis communication practitioners were conducted to examine the gap between theory and practice. Crisis communication has become an important research area within public relations. Several studies have resulted in theories and guidelines regarding the effective use of communication during organizational crises. Unfortunately, these findings are not always put into practice. This study examines to what extent public relations practitioners apply theory in practice during crises and why. The findings offer an opportunity to formulate potential ways in which we can bridge the scholar-practitioner divide in public relations, through guidelines for both scholars and practitioners.