Date of Award

1-1-2014

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Specialization

Communication and Leadership

School or Department

School of Leadership Studies

First Advisor

Dr. Michael Hazel

Abstract

In the event of a crisis, a well-prepared and detailed plan to communicate with the public will maintain organizational integrity. A crisis communication plan can protect the lives of stakeholders, as well as the security of current and future missions. Large military organizations typically lack comprehensive guides for the leaders throughout the nation to assist them in communicating with the media and the public in general should there be a crisis in their local area. This project is an analysis and design for a handbook for leaders throughout the Military Intelligence Readiness Command. This command, composed of over 6,000 soldiers across 26 states and Europe, is severely limited with its only one public affairs specialist. Coombs’ (2002) Situational Crisis Communication is the primary theory informing this work. This theory promotes using evidence based analysis, which fits into the military decision making process. The handbook was developed using crisis communication literature, U.S. Army regulations, and working with leaders who will utilize the handbook. Once implemented, leaders will be empowered to inform the public in a responsible and productive manner while addressing the needs of stakeholders.

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