Strayer University
MBA PROGRAM
Course Code: BUS 300
Public Relations
Crisis Management and Preparedness
Crisis management and preparedness are essential topics in the field of public relations (PR) and
are often covered extensively in PR courses. They involve strategies and practices for effectively
managing and responding to crises that could potentially harm an organization's reputation,
operations, or stakeholders. Here's an overview of crisis management and preparedness in the
context of a PR course:
Crisis Management:
Definition of a Crisis: PR courses start by defining what constitutes a crisis in the context of
public relations. A crisis is generally defined as an event or situation that poses a significant
threat to an organization's reputation, integrity, or ability to operate effectively.
Identifying Potential Crises: Students learn how to identify potential crises that their organization
or clients may face. This involves recognizing both internal and external factors that could lead
to a crisis.
Crisis Communication Planning: Crisis communication is a critical component of crisis
management. PR courses teach students how to develop comprehensive crisis communication
plans. These plans outline communication strategies, messages, roles, responsibilities, and
communication channels to be used during a crisis.
Spokesperson Training: Effective communication during a crisis often relies on well-prepared
spokespeople. PR students may receive training in spokesperson skills, including media
interviews and public speaking, to ensure they can represent the organization effectively.
Media Relations: Crisis communication involves interacting with the media, which is a key
aspect of PR. Students learn how to manage media inquiries, conduct press briefings, and issue
press releases during a crisis.
Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging with stakeholders, including employees, customers,
investors, and the public, is essential during a crisis. PR courses teach students how to effectively
communicate with and address the concerns of various stakeholder groups.
Legal and Ethical Considerations: Students are educated on the legal and ethical considerations
that apply to crisis management and communication. They learn to navigate issues related to
transparency, privacy, and compliance with laws and regulations.
