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Burton St. John
Increasingly, modern societies are witnessing crises of confidence in their institutions, whether they are for-profit, non-profit, or governmental. Today, being able to identify and manage a crisis is no longer a “nice to,” it’s essential. In this course, you’ll learn about the basics of crisis management and crisis communication, and what needs to be in an effective crisis plan. You'll also see something that is rarely discussed in detail – how organizations can effectively handle the very first moments of a crisis, and where they can make poor decisions that can have damaging consequences. You'll hear from professionals who handle organizational crises so that you are better positioned to understand the dynamics of crises. As such, this course, via structured learning activities (video lectures and quizzes), will help prepare you for the near certainty that whatever organization you work for (or want to work for) will encounter a crisis.
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What's inside
Syllabus
The Fundamentals of Crisis Communication and Crisis Management
The world is continually experiencing crises. Today, being able to identify a crisis is no longer a “nice to;” it’s essential. In this module you’ll learn about the basics of crisis management and crisis communication.
Read more
Syllabus
The Fundamentals of Crisis Communication and Crisis Management
The world is continually experiencing crises. Today, being able to identify a crisis is no longer a “nice to;” it’s essential. In this module you’ll learn about the basics of crisis management and crisis communication.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Prepares learners to understand the dynamics of crises, which is essential for professionals in various sectors facing increasing crises of confidence
Explores how organizations can effectively handle the initial moments of a crisis, an aspect often overlooked but crucial for minimizing damaging consequences
Examines the fundamentals of crisis communication and crisis management, providing a foundational understanding for those new to the field
Requires learners to develop a crisis plan, which is essential for organizations to prepare for and mitigate potential crises effectively
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Reviews summary
Foundation in crisis management and communication
According to learners, this course provides a strong foundation in crisis management and communication, covering essential basics and practical steps. Students particularly highlight the course's focus on the first moments of a crisis and the creation of an effective crisis plan as highly useful. Many appreciate the clear and concise lectures and find the content applicable to real-world professional situations. While some mention wishing for more depth on specific topics, the overall feedback is overwhelmingly positive, positioning it as an excellent introductory course for professionals.
Ideal for those new to the topic.
"As someone new to this field, I found this course perfectly pitched for my level."
"It's a great introduction, but likely too basic for experienced professionals."
"The course successfully breaks down concepts for beginners."
"It's a good starting point, though I might need more advanced courses later."
Valuable insights into initial crisis response.
"The module on the first moments of a crisis was particularly insightful."
"Learning how to handle the very beginning of a crisis was something I hadn't considered in detail before."
"The emphasis on initial decisions was a unique and helpful perspective."
"The practical advice for those critical first few hours was invaluable."
Teaches how to build a robust plan.
"The guidance on creating a crisis plan was comprehensive and practical."
"I now feel equipped to start developing or improving a crisis plan for my organization."
"The step-by-step approach to planning was very useful."
"Understanding the key components of a plan was a major takeaway."
Content is easy to understand and follow.
"The lectures were clear and easy to follow, making complex topics accessible."
"I appreciated the concise format and well-explained concepts."
"The information was presented in a straightforward manner."
"It didn't waste time and got straight to the important points."
Offers tools directly applicable to work.
"The information and strategies provided are immediately applicable in professional settings."
"I can apply the learnings directly to my job role in anticipating and managing potential crises."
"The practical examples and insights shared were very helpful."
"I gained actionable insights I can use when developing my organization's plan."
Excellent introduction to core concepts.
"This course provides a very good foundation in crisis management and communication."
"I found the course very useful as an initial understanding of crisis management and how to build a solid plan for it."
"This course is an excellent starting point for understanding the basics of crisis communication."
"It gave me a great introduction and overview of the fundamental principles."
Some topics feel briefly covered.
"While comprehensive for an introduction, I wish some areas went into greater detail."
"The course felt a bit too surface-level on certain complex aspects."
"I would have liked to explore specific types of crises or communication channels more."
"It covers a lot, but briefly touching on some points left me wanting more."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Introduction to Crisis Management and Crisis Communication with these
activities:
Review 'Crisis Communication: Theory and Practice'
Show steps
Provides a strong theoretical foundation for understanding crisis communication principles and practices.
View
Putting Knowledge to Work
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Obtain a copy of the book.
-
Read the chapters related to crisis communication theories and models.
-
Analyze the case studies presented in the book.
-
Relate the concepts to the course syllabus.
Review 'Reputation Management: The Key to Successful Public Relations and Corporate Communication'
Show steps
Explores the critical role of reputation in crisis management and provides strategies for protecting and enhancing it.
View
Reputation Management: The Key to Successful...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Obtain a copy of the book.
-
Read the chapters related to reputation management strategies.
-
Identify the key factors that contribute to a strong reputation.
-
Analyze how reputation can be affected during a crisis.
Develop a Crisis Communication Plan Template
Show steps
Provides hands-on experience in creating a practical tool for managing crises.
Show steps
-
Research existing crisis communication plan templates.
-
Identify the key components of an effective plan.
-
Create a template that can be adapted to different organizations.
-
Include sections for risk assessment, communication protocols, and stakeholder management.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Presentation on Crisis Communication Best Practices
Show steps
Reinforces understanding of best practices and improves presentation skills.
Show steps
-
Research crisis communication best practices.
-
Organize the information into a coherent presentation.
-
Include real-world examples and case studies.
-
Practice delivering the presentation.
Simulate a Press Conference
Show steps
Develops skills in handling media inquiries and communicating effectively under pressure.
Show steps
-
Develop a hypothetical crisis scenario.
-
Prepare key messages and talking points.
-
Role-play a press conference with classmates or colleagues.
-
Record and review the simulation to identify areas for improvement.
Develop a Social Media Crisis Communication Strategy
Show steps
Addresses the importance of social media in modern crisis communication.
Show steps
-
Research how social media is used during crises.
-
Identify the key platforms and tools for social media crisis communication.
-
Develop a strategy for monitoring social media channels.
-
Create a plan for responding to social media inquiries and complaints.
Volunteer with a Local Emergency Response Organization
Show steps
Provides real-world experience in crisis response and communication.
Show steps
-
Identify local emergency response organizations.
-
Contact the organization to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
-
Participate in training sessions and drills.
-
Assist with crisis response efforts as needed.
Review 'Crisis Communication: Theory and Practice'
Show steps
Provides a strong theoretical foundation for understanding crisis communication principles and practices.
View
Putting Knowledge to Work
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Obtain a copy of the book.
- Read the chapters related to crisis communication theories and models.
- Analyze the case studies presented in the book.
- Relate the concepts to the course syllabus.
Review 'Reputation Management: The Key to Successful Public Relations and Corporate Communication'
Show steps
Explores the critical role of reputation in crisis management and provides strategies for protecting and enhancing it.
View
Reputation Management: The Key to Successful...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Obtain a copy of the book.
- Read the chapters related to reputation management strategies.
- Identify the key factors that contribute to a strong reputation.
- Analyze how reputation can be affected during a crisis.
Develop a Crisis Communication Plan Template
Show steps
Provides hands-on experience in creating a practical tool for managing crises.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research existing crisis communication plan templates.
- Identify the key components of an effective plan.
- Create a template that can be adapted to different organizations.
- Include sections for risk assessment, communication protocols, and stakeholder management.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Presentation on Crisis Communication Best Practices
Show steps
Reinforces understanding of best practices and improves presentation skills.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research crisis communication best practices.
- Organize the information into a coherent presentation.
- Include real-world examples and case studies.
- Practice delivering the presentation.
Simulate a Press Conference
Show steps
Develops skills in handling media inquiries and communicating effectively under pressure.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Develop a hypothetical crisis scenario.
- Prepare key messages and talking points.
- Role-play a press conference with classmates or colleagues.
- Record and review the simulation to identify areas for improvement.
Develop a Social Media Crisis Communication Strategy
Show steps
Addresses the importance of social media in modern crisis communication.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research how social media is used during crises.
- Identify the key platforms and tools for social media crisis communication.
- Develop a strategy for monitoring social media channels.
- Create a plan for responding to social media inquiries and complaints.
Volunteer with a Local Emergency Response Organization
Show steps
Provides real-world experience in crisis response and communication.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify local emergency response organizations.
- Contact the organization to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
- Participate in training sessions and drills.
- Assist with crisis response efforts as needed.
Career center
Learners who complete Introduction to Crisis Management and Crisis Communication will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Public Relations Specialist
Public Relations Specialist
A public relations specialist manages the public image of an organization, and this often involves navigating crises. This role requires the ability to craft messaging and handle press inquiries, particularly during challenging times. This course, which covers crisis communication and management, is directly applicable to a public relations specialist's responsibilities as it provides insights into creating a communication plan for crisis situations, understanding the initial stages of a crisis, and learning from professionals in the field. The material here helps prepare a public relations specialist for handling organizational crises.
Communications Director
Communications Director
A communications director oversees an organization's internal and external communications, which includes managing crises. This role requires strategic planning and the ability to coordinate responses during turbulent times. This course is relevant for a communications director because it directly addresses crisis management and communication, including initial procedures and crisis plan development. The course is beneficial in its structured learning activities, which may help the a communications director in preparing for organizational challenges.
Emergency Management Specialist
Emergency Management Specialist
An emergency management specialist prepares for and responds to disasters and other emergency situations, often involving crisis communication within and beyond an organization. This role requires the ability to develop plans and coordinate responses. This course, which explains the basics of crisis management and the development of a crisis plan, is helpful for emergency management specialists, particularly the module on how to handle the first moments of a crisis. This gives an emergency management specialist an understanding of the dynamics of a crisis.
Risk Management Analyst
Risk Management Analyst
A risk management analyst identifies and assesses various risks an organization faces, which includes reputational and operational crises. Risk management analysts work to prevent crises or mitigate their impact. This course, by detailing the basics of crisis communication and the creation of crisis plans, helps a risk management analyst better understand how to prepare for organizational crises. The course's emphasis on learning from professionals in the field may be useful in developing preparedness plans for the role of risk management analyst.
Press Secretary
Press Secretary
A press secretary serves as a public spokesperson, often required to manage and communicate through crises. The press secretary's role involves addressing the media and the public during times of pressure. This course, by focusing on the nuances of crisis communication, the first moments of a crisis, and the necessity of a crisis plan, helps prepare a press secretary to handle communication effectively in stressful circumstances. The course's structured learning activities will help a press secretary understand crisis dynamics.
Nonprofit Program Manager
Nonprofit Program Manager
A nonprofit program manager oversees the operations of a nonprofit, and must be prepared for crises that affect their programs and beneficiaries. This role requires strategic planning, stakeholder communication, and risk mitigation. A course focused on crisis management is useful for a nonprofit program manager, particularly because of its focus on a systematic approach to crisis plans and protocols. The program manager can use the learning to better understand how to handle difficult situations in their work with the nonprofit.
Corporate Communications Manager
Corporate Communications Manager
A corporate communications manager develops and implements communication strategies for organizations, which includes handling crisis communications. This role requires the ability to manage messaging and maintain the image of a company during challenging times. The course's content on crisis communication and management, especially the focus on initial responses and the development of crisis plans, directly supports the requirements of a corporate communication manager. The course content can assist in understanding the dynamics of a crisis.
Government Affairs Specialist
Government Affairs Specialist
A government affairs specialist works with government entities, and often is involved in communication during crises that affect their organizations. Government affairs specialists need strong communication skills. This course, which details crisis management and communication, will help equip a government affairs specialist with the tools they need to communicate effectively during stressful situations. The learning from this course helps the government affairs specialist understand how to act in the initial moments of a crisis.
Social Media Manager
Social Media Manager
A social media manager oversees an organization's online presence, which includes managing communications during a crisis. This role requires quick response times and the ability to handle damaging information. This course, which provides content on crisis management and how organizations handle the very first moments of a crisis, will help a social media manager understand how to respond to social media crises. The structured learning activities may be useful in preparing for difficult online situations.
Project Manager
Project Manager
A project manager oversees projects from inception to completion, and often needs to handle unexpected problems that may arise. This role requires leadership skills and the ability to make decisions under pressure. The course, with its discussion of the basics of crisis management and communication, as well as handling the initial moments of a crisis, may be helpful for a project manager. The content can assist a project manager in building a framework for quickly responding to project related crises.
Human Resources Generalist
Human Resources Generalist
A human resources generalist handles employee relations, and may need to manage sensitive information and communication during a company crisis. A human resources generalist is often involved in internal communications during a crisis. This course which provides insight into how organizations handle the first moments of a crisis may be useful for a human resources generalist. The material on creating a crisis plan may assist in building internal incident protocols.
Community Outreach Coordinator
Community Outreach Coordinator
A community outreach coordinator builds relationships between an organization and the community, which includes communicating during a crisis. A community outreach coordinator is responsible for maintaining trust with stakeholders. This course, by focusing on the basics of crisis management and crisis communication, may be useful for a community outreach coordinator. The course's material on learning from professionals can help to inform positive outreach during crises.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Manager
A marketing manager leads marketing campaigns for a company, and must sometimes address crisis situations as they arise. A marketing manager must be mindful of the way a crisis affects brand perception. This course, with its emphasis on crisis management and specifically crisis communication, may be useful for a marketing manager in effectively addressing reputation issues that may arise during a crisis. The course's materials on the first moments of a crisis can help a marketing manager make better informed decisions.
Business Development Manager
Business Development Manager
A business development manager seeks out new business opportunities, and may face situations needing crisis communication to help handle difficult situations with clients. A business development manager must be ready to manage the organization's image during a crisis. This course, which provides content on crisis communication and management, may be useful for a business development manager in understanding how to handle difficult situations that affect potential business partners. The course's materials on effective crisis plans can help develop strategies for protecting the organization.
Volunteer Coordinator
Volunteer Coordinator
A volunteer coordinator manages and coordinates volunteers, and must handle issues when a crisis arises among the volunteer base. A volunteer coordinator must ensure effective communication among volunteers during stressful situations. This course, which provides a foundation for crisis management and communication, including developing initial response strategies, may be useful for a volunteer coordinator in creating plans to manage crises among the volunteer network. The content can assist with planning for the initial moments of a crisis.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/hqr3st/introduction
Reading list
We've selected two books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Introduction to Crisis Management and Crisis Communication.
Provides a comprehensive overview of crisis communication theories and their practical applications. It valuable resource for understanding the theoretical underpinnings of crisis communication strategies. It also provides real-world case studies and examples that can help students apply the concepts learned in the course to real-life situations. This book is commonly used as a textbook in crisis communication courses at many universities.
Focuses on the importance of reputation management in crisis situations. It provides insights into how organizations can build and maintain a positive reputation. It also provides strategies for mitigating reputational damage during a crisis. This book is helpful in providing background knowledge on the importance of reputation in crisis management.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/hqr3st/introduction
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Effort
3 weeks of study, 2.5 hours per week.
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Colorado Boulder
Instructor
Burton St. John
Language
English
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