Abstract

Introduction

Method

Results

Discussion

Appendices

References

Home

     This project extends previous research on crisis communication and military public affairs (Hunter, Berry, Goodrich-Hinton, & Lincicome, 2000) by attempting to translate crisis communication theory into military public affairs practices. The 12 strategies of the Hunter, et al. (2000) typology were vetted to a cross section of Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Marine public affairs professionals to determine which are most efficacious in military crisis communication situations

     A crisis can be defined as a major unpredictable event that has potentially negative or positive results (Barton, 1993).  The event and its aftermath may significantly damage an organization and its employees, products, services, financial condition, and reputation. 
Compared to most civilian institutions, the U.S. military generally enjoys a consistent record of high trust with the public. In a recent public opinion poll (Harris, 1999), 54 percent of respondents said they have "great confidence" in the people charged with running the military.

     The purpose of this research is to determine whether the Hunter, et al. (2000) typology of proactive crisis communication is validated by the best practice of military public affairs practitioners. In doing so, the research takes another step on the journey toward developing a proactive crisis communication toolkit to guide the thinking or military public affairs professional in developing and executing crisis communications plans successfully.