Best Practice & Key Takeaways: Crisis Longevity in the Digital Age
Best Practice & Key Takeaways from the combined quantitative and qualitative analyses of corporate crises examined in the paper “Crisis Longevity in the Digital Age”.
A World in Flux
In an era defined by geopolitical instability and ideological fragmentation, the ability of institutions and corporations to respond with clarity, courage, and consistency has never been more important. As the liberal international order wanes, replaced by transactional alliances and fragmented global blocs, communicators must navigate a world where power is less predictable—and silence more dangerous.
This short exploration uses the example of Prof. Dr. h.c. mult. Reinhold Würth, long-time Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Würth Group, to illustrate what responsible, value-driven communication can look like in practice. It also draws selectively on the thesis of Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who outlined the contours of this new world disorder in his 2024 lecture at BI Norwegian Business School.
When Leadership Becomes the Crisis
Reputation crises come in many forms, but few are as challenging as when the source of the crisis is the company’s own leadership. When a high-profile executive or majority owner makes controversial statements, aligns with political extremes, or engages in erratic behavior, the fallout can be severe.
Navigating PR Crises in the Tech Industry
The technology sector, characterized by rapid innovation and global influence, is particularly susceptible to public relations crises. Recent events have underscored the critical need for robust crisis management strategies within tech companies.
From Condolences to Accountability
How Should Companies Respond When Systemic Failures Lead to Public Outrage? A major healthcare corporation recently found itself at the center of a shocking and tragic event—one that has ignited widespread debate about corporate responsibility, patient care, and systemic failures. What began as a crisis of operational inefficiencies has now escalated into a highly politicized public reckoning, putting immense pressure on leadership to respond appropriately. The company’s initial response followed the expected playbook. However, as public scrutiny intensified, it became clear that a mere expression of sympathy would not suffice. The company had to move beyond “thoughts and prayers” to meaningful accountability measures—without inadvertently legitimizing extreme actions taken in response to their failures.
Emerging PR Challenges in the Mining Sector
The mining industry has long faced scrutiny over its environmental impact, labor practices, and community relations. However, in recent years, regulatory shifts and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) pressures have intensified, making crisis communication and reputation management more critical than ever. With investors, governments, and the public demanding increased transparency and accountability, mining firms must proactively address these emerging PR challenges to maintain credibility and operational stability.
Reputation Under Siege
Fake news isn’t just a political problem, businesses are facing organized disinformation attacks designed to damage credibility, drive away customers, and undermine trust. From AI-generated fake reviews to social media smear campaigns, these threats require proactive reputation defense strategies.
Political Activism vs. Brand Neutrality
How can companies navigate divisive political issues without alienating stakeholders? Businesses are increasingly caught in the crossfire of political activism, from employees pushing for corporate statements on social issues to customers boycotting brands for taking (or refusing to take) a stance. Striking the right balance is crucial.
When Internal Memos Go Public
In today’s hyperconnected world, internal memos, confidential reports, and executive emails can quickly become front-page news. Whether it’s layoff details leaked before official announcements, sensitive financial data reaching competitors, or executive remarks sparking controversy, corporate leaks can severely damage trust and internal stability.
The Digital Disruption of Banking PR
The rise of social media and real-time digital communication has transformed the way banking institutions manage their public relations. Instant virality, heightened consumer expectations, and the rapid dissemination of financial news mean that banks must develop sophisticated PR strategies to navigate reputational risks.
This paper explores how banking PR has evolved in the digital era, integrating theoretical frameworks with real-world case studies to establish best practices in financial communication.
Nigeria’s PR Industry in Transition
Nigeria’s public relations industry is undergoing significant transformation, driven by technological advancements, changing consumer behaviors, and evolving socio-political contexts. Strategic PR has become essential for reputation management, audience engagement, and sustained corporate success. This paper examines key trends shaping Nigeria’s PR landscape, emphasizing digital evolution, purpose-driven campaigns, crisis communication, and reputation management strategies.