The Role of Human Resource Development Competencies in Facilitating Effective Crisis Communication

Abstract

The problem and the solution. Effective crisis communication is one of the key components of effective crisis management, and this article describes key human resource development (HRD) competencies that facilitate crisis communication. Research from organization development, crisis management, and crisis communication is used to provide an integrated framework for studying crisis communication that emphasizes the role of HRD in coping with crises. A repertoire of techniques for crisis communication is provided, together with recommendations for companies seeking to enhance their firms’ crisis management capacities through communication. Implications for HRD practice, theory, and research are provided. © 2008, SAGE Publications. All rights reserved.