Date of Award
12-1998
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Communication
First Advisor
Dr. Keith M. Hearit
Second Advisor
Dr. Shirley Van Hoeven
Third Advisor
Dr. George Robeck
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
This study examines the communication activities of two crises: the NASA Challenger and Exxon Valdez and investigates the effect of accommodative and defensive statements attributable to each crisis on organizational image. The survey design queried respondents about organization image with questions about trustworthiness, responsibility and willingness for future involvement with the organization, based on statements provided. Results indicated that when organizations issue accommodative statements during a crisis, participants rated overall organizational image more positively than when defensive statements were given. Research findings are discussed based on the symbolic approach to crisis communication and the investor response theory. The implications for future research using actual case studies are discussed.
Recommended Citation
O'Connor, Amy, "Crisis Communication and Organizational Image: A Study of the Nasa Challenger and Exxon Valdez" (1998). Masters Theses. 4004.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/4004