New research into crisis communications has found that 74% of company directors believe that UK companies are failing to handle their responses to corporate crises effectively. The research asked UK company directors how they rated the ability of British companies when it comes to handling their responses to crises through the media, and nearly three quarters responded that they believe companies are poor or fair in this regard. Only 22% of those polled think that UK bosses handle crisis communications well.
In the light of The Hutton Report, many large organisations would join the BBC in feeling that crisis communications are a vital part of today’s business strategy. Avoiding mixed messages and confusing statements is essential but very hard to do well.
The research also asked which organisations had recently failed to operate effective crisis management and 72% named the Government as one of the main culprits. However, top of the list was Network Rail, which was cited by 93% of directors polled as having failed to manage recent crises effectively.
Responding to this issue, a new book on dealing with these and a wide range of other business issues has been published. Managing Communications in a Crisis provides practical hints and tips outlining how to prepare for a crisis and what to do if you find yourself in the middle of one. It is written by two of the UK’s best-known experts in business communication, Khalid Aziz and Peter Ruff, of The Aziz Corporation, the UK’s leading independent executive communications consultancy, and both former BBC journalists.
Khalid Aziz, Chairman of The Aziz Corporation and co-author of Managing Communications in a Crisis, commented:
When a shareholder revolt removes Michael Green as chairman of ITV and rows over fat cat pay have hit organisations such as GlaxoSmithKline and HSBC, there is an even more pressing demand for effective communications for business.
Protecting the reputation of the organisation is as vital for directors and executives as ensuring the company is profitable and operating efficiently. An organisation facing a scandal may find itself in that position because of the actions of individuals rather than dishonest behaviour by the company as a whole.
With the implementation of a well structured communications policy a crisis can be contained before any lasting damage is done.
Ironically, the research also found that whilst most UK company directors think that their peers have not put in place effective strategies for communicating in a crisis, they believe that they themselves have covered all possible eventualities. 58% stated that they have an appointed spokesperson that has been media trained and fully briefed to deal with all communications in a crisis. Perhaps in the light of recent events, however, UK organisations should take another look at their crisis communications strategy.
74% of bosses think British companies handle crisis communications poorly
.
