The inevitability of crises is a harsh reality of the world we live in. But while evidence suggests that crises and disasters--from earthquakes and infectious disease pandemics to oil spills and terrorist attacks--are occurring with increasing and alarming frequency, almost all of them can be more effectively managed. Theorizing Crisis Communication presents a comprehensive review and critique of a broad range of theoretical frameworks designed to explain the development, management, and consequences of natural and man-made crises. We know how crises such as the Japanese tsunami/Fukushima nuclear accident, the H1N1 pandemic, Hurricane Katrina, and the Exxon Valdez oil spill create widespread economic, political, and social harm, reduce public trust in institutions, damage the environment, and change basic beliefs, norms, and systems for managing risks. By incorporating the latest theoretical work from organizational studies, sociology, psychology, public relations, and public health, the authors reveal how this vast body of research offers important insights into the similarities, patterns, and relationships across different crises. Theorizing Crisis Communication is an essential tool for a comprehensive understanding of the onset, management, response, resolution, and ultimate meaning of these devastating world events.
