Attribution Theory As A Guide For Post Crisis Communication Research

Coombs, W. T. (2007). Attribution theory as a guide for post-crisis communication research. Public Relations Review, 33(2), 135-139.

In this article, Coombs explores the role that attribution theory plays in guiding post-crisis communication research and providing an integrative method for diverse crisis studies in different fields. Attribution theory provides a universal set of shared methods and concepts that allow integration of research results from various researchers. After conducting several communication-based crises studies since 1995, the author argues that it is time to go beyond the confinements of the case study and shift to empirical methods.

The information that the author provides is based on experimental studies rather than case studies. Coombs concludes that applying attribution theory in diverse streams of research can contribute to the post crisis-communication knowledge that provides a mechanism for evidence-based crisis communication. The article is relevant to the study of crisis management and communication, and those interested in conducting post-crisis communication research may find this text significant. As the field of crisis communication advances, managers need recommendations based on scientifically tested evidence rather than mere assumptions.

Coombs, W. T. (2007). Crisis management and communications. Institute for Public Relations, 4(5), 6.

Coombs, a professor in the school of communications at the University of Central Florida, has published more than 40 research articles and over 30 book chapters. Most of them focus on crisis management and communication. Drawing on his extensive experience, Coombs applies a three-staged approach in discussing how crisis management can help to prevent or eli...

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...tional culture. Such disasters cannot be prevented through blame games but can be resolved by taking responsibility, making the necessary changes, lowering defenses, and taking risks.

The discourse of renewal focuses on healing and improvement by allowing reconnection to the organization’s core values. This paper describes how BP misaligned priorities, and how a lack of spiritual connectedness led to the crisis. The company had skewed values that placed profits above environmental and safety quality standards. Furthermore, the hypocritical actions and statements that ensued revealed the corporation 's misaligned priorities, which consequently cemented their doubtful reputation. The authors suggest that BP must align its business practices with socially responsible ethical priorities to ensure corporate renewal, and embrace spiritual values that create connectedness.