Although best practices in risk and crisis communications incorporate data based on practitioner experiences, strategy has always been the foundation of a successful program. And consensus is growing about which strategies produce the best outcomes: Research indicates that scientific theory and evidence derived from systemic inquiry are crucial to informing best practices and influencing both strategies and priorities.
Booz Allen Hamilton, in partnership with Dr. Elaine Vaughn of the University of California at Irvine, has released a comprehensive resource guide for developing and implementing science-based risk communications research, policy, strategies, and practices.
Called “Risk and Crisis Communications: Best Practices for Government Agencies and Non-Profit Organizations,” the guide reflects findings from extensive interviews with national and international risk and crisis communication experts sharing critical information from scientific databases and government archives. Individuals featured include practicing professionals from public health agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). More than 50 high-quality sources were compiled to provide the latest information on best practices, lessons learned, and emerging issues.
Most recent best practices incorporate lessons learned from events such as:
While occurrences during these events validated certain longstanding advice about risk and crisis communications, they also revealed that some popular guidelines had become alarmingly obsolete.
“Risk and Crisis Communications” considers these lessons and underscores the premise that good communication cannot substitute for bad policies or inadequate planning. For example, many best practices underemphasize seven important areas, including the use of newer technologies that can advance or complicate risk and crisis communications planning. When planning for a crisis situation, the guide defines where emphasis should be placed and shows why it’s even more important not only to get information right, but also to get the right information into focused messages.
Booz Allen Senior Associate Dr. Tim Tinker co-authored ”Risk Crisis and Communications.” The guide has been recognized with several communications industry awards. These include a Gold MarCom Award in the Brochure/Handbook category (Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals, 2010); a Silver Magellan Award in the Communications Campaign Competition (League of American Communications Professionals LLC, 2010); and an Honors Mercury Excellence Award in the Custom Publications Category (MerComm, Inc., 2010/11).
study posted June 1, 2010
