A Primer for Crisis Communication Theory: The Fusion of Theory and Practice

by Finn Frandsen, W. Timothy Coombs, Winni Johansen

Overview

Guided by a belief that good crisis communication theory should inform and improve practice, this book makes a wide range of theories utilized in crisis communication accessible to researchers, students, and practitioners.

The book begins with an extended discussion of applied theory, including the theory building process, to help the reader appreciate how theory can connect to the practice of crisis communication. This discussion is followed by chapters each explaining a theory and using an evidence-based approach to explore how that theory illuminates and applies to crisis communication practice. The array of theories includes those that are descriptive, prescriptive, and critical and cover the areas of public crises, political crises, and corporate crises.

This book is essential reading for advanced students of public relations and strategic communication and researchers in crisis and risk communication, with practical insights suitable for interested professionals.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781040405215
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	08/04/2025
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	218
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Finn Frandsen is Professor of Corporate Communication and Crisis Management in the Department of Management, Aarhus University, Denmark.

W. Timothy Coombs is an advisor for the Centre for Crisis and Risk Communications. His primary area of research and consulting is crisis communication.

Winni Johansen is Professor of Corporate Communication and Crisis Management in the Department of Management, Aarhus University, Denmark.

Table of Contents

Preface

Chapter 1 Introduction to and Overview of Theory

Risk Communication Section

Chapter 2 Protective Action Decision Model

Chapter 3 Social Amplification of Risk

Chapter 4 Covello

Chapter 5 Anger Activism

Chapter 6 Extended Parallel Process Model

Chapter 7 Warning Response Model

Crisis Communication Section

Chapter 8 Corporate Apologia

Chapter 9 Image Restoration/Repair Theory

Chapter 10 Situational Crisis Communication Theory

Chapter 11 Stealing Thunder

Chapter 12 Integrated Crisis Mapping

Chapter 13 Threat Assessment

Chapter 14 Social-Mediated Crisis Communication

Chapter 15 Paracrisis

Chapter 16 Rhetorical Arena Theory

Chapter 17 Focusing Event

Chapter 18 Crisis Exploitation

General Theories Relevant to Crisis Communication

Chapter 19 Stress Inoculation Theory

Chapter 20 Communication Theory of Resilience

Chapter 21 Concluding Remarks and Observations

Index

Editorial Reviews

This is the book scholars and practitioners have been waiting for. The essential theories, across risk communication, crisis communication, and other relevant areas, are infused with practical insights and actionable takeaways based on empirical evidence. This volume is a model for translational research that advances crisis research, practice, and education.”
Yan Jin, C. Richard Yarbrough Professor in Crisis Communication Leadership, Director and Co-Founder of the Crisis Communication Think Tank, University of Georgia, USA

“For those who are curious about the theory that drives the practice, this book is a gem. It stands out as one of the most comprehensive, yet easy-to-read, books on risk and crisis communication theory. A must-have for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the field.”
Chiara Valentini, Professor, Head of the Discipline, JSBE—Jyväskylä School of Business and Economics, Jyväskylä, Finland

From the Publisher