Crisis Communication Planning at the United Nations
This paper examines crisis communication planning models and evaluates how they apply to the United Nations as a large, consensus-driven international organization. Drawing on a ten-step crisis communications framework, the paper identifies how the UN can prepare for and respond to crises, from identifying spokesperson teams to anticipating emergencies before they occur. The paper also considers the unique challenges the UN faces—such as the requirement for member-state consensus and the distinction between headquarters-level and field-level crises—using Rwanda as a case study in the limits of institutional crisis response. The paper concludes that effective crisis communications are essential to organizational survival and credibility.
- Introduction: UN communication challenges and paper scope
- Communications Planning Models: Ten-step crisis communications framework explained
- Communication Aspects in Crisis: Applying the framework to UN's unique structure
- Conclusion: Importance of crisis management for organizations
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What makes this paper effective
- The paper applies a concrete, numbered framework to a specific real-world organization, grounding abstract theory in institutional context.
- It acknowledges the limitations of the framework for the UN's unique consensus-based structure, showing critical thinking rather than uncritical application.
- The reference to Rwanda as a field-level crisis example adds a brief but meaningful empirical anchor to the argument.
Key academic technique demonstrated
The paper demonstrates applied analysis: taking an established professional framework (the 10-step crisis communications model) and systematically testing how well each component maps onto a specific organization. Rather than simply describing the model, the author identifies which steps the UN can realistically implement and which are complicated by its governance structure. This technique is central to policy and management writing.
Structure breakdown
The paper follows a straightforward three-part structure: an introduction establishing the communication stakes for the UN, a theory section presenting the 10-step framework in list form, and an application section that critically evaluates the model against the UN's actual operating conditions. A brief conclusion synthesizes the argument. This structure suits a short analytical essay and makes the argument easy to follow, though the application section could benefit from deeper development.
Introduction
Though an admirable organization, the United Nations does not always function like a smoothly oiled machine. This is because of the organization's sheer size, but also because of its many inefficiencies. However, if there is one department in which there should not be any kind of delay or misunderstanding, it is the department of communications. This department, because of the nature of the organization, is vital to effective communication not only between states, but also between the UN and its member states.
This paper will examine, first, the theory of communications planning models and then how they would function within the United Nations, especially in a communication crisis context.
Communications Planning Models
Various individuals offer theories on how to deal with crises, yet every organization is different. Some guidelines, however, do help. First, one must recognize that no matter its capacity, every organization is vulnerable to crises. Without adequate communications in times of crisis, various negative consequences can ensue. These can include the breakdown of operational response, the anger of stakeholders, and the perception of the organization as inept and negligent.
This is precisely why any organization must be prepared for a crisis. There are ten basic steps that an organization can follow in order to ensure effective crisis communications and guard against the negative consequences described above:
1. Identifying a crisis communications team — a small team of senior executives that can serve as the organization's PR guiding hand through the crisis.
2. Identifying a spokesperson or spokespersons — organizing individuals who are authorized to speak on behalf of the organization and who understand the subject matter, including the CEO.
3. Spokesperson training — this is perhaps the most important step, ensuring that a person is capable not only of speaking on behalf of the organization, but also of conveying a clear message.
4. Establishing notification systems — having clear and reliable communications channels in place.
5. Identifying and knowing stakeholders — understanding who matters, and why.
6. Anticipating crises before they happen — being proactive and assembling a team before an absolute emergency arises.
7. Developing holding statements — drafting full message frameworks in advance, establishing scenarios and determining what must be done in the event of a crisis.
8. Assessing the situation fully — acting only once a thorough assessment of the situation has been completed.
9. Identifying key messages — determining what messages will benefit the organization and accurately represent its position.
10. Riding out the storm — taking an objective look at the situation, maintaining composure, and seeing the crisis through to resolution.
The worst possible thing a leader could do in a time of crisis is to put his head in the sand and have no plan of action.
Conclusion
This paper has examined crisis management with a focus on the United Nations and how this organization can maintain effective crisis management through efficient communications. It is important for any organization to implement the ten steps of crisis communications, especially if it wishes to survive and overcome a crisis. The UN's consensus-driven structure creates additional layers of complexity that make proactive preparation all the more essential.
References
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Lukaszewski, J. (1998). Even dimensions of crisis communication management. Ragan's Communications Journal. Retrieved November 19, from
Nigam, S. (2010). Five steps to successful crisis management for airlines. SimplyFlying. Retrieved November 19, from http://simpliflying.com/2010/infographic-five-steps-to-successful-crisis-management-for-airlines-in-the-age-of-social-media/
Ten steps to a successful crisis management plan. (2011). Morebusiness.com. Retrieved November 19, from http://www.morebusiness.com/crisis-management
The United Nations. (2011). UN.org. Retrieved November 19, from http://www.un.org
The United Nations history. (2011). UN.org. Retrieved November 19, from
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