Date of Award

2012

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Specialization

Communication and Leadership

School or Department

School of Leadership Studies

First Advisor

Dr. John Caputo

Second Advisor

Dr. Alexa Dare

Abstract

This study implemented an interpretive social science approach with an egalitarian perspective. It explores the relationship between culture and crisis communication. The researcher created a fictitious organizational crisis, then surveyed participants to gather their insights and guidance as they related to organizational response. The literature reviewed in this study provides detailed examination of crisis and culture. It calls for examination of how the two impact one another in communication settings. Survey questions were derived from Hofstede’s dimensions of cultural variability, which was the theoretical framework for this study. Efforts were made to include broad participation and incorporate simple random probability samples. The findings were supportive of Hofstede’s theory, as the survey responses generally fell in line with the cultural characteristics described in his theory. Specific examples are provided. Future research should test the findings in a broader capacity to continue examination of the relationship between crisis and culture.

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