Document Type
Article
Language
eng
Publication Date
2018
Publisher
Emerald Group Publishing Ltd.
Source Publication
Journal of Communication Management
Source ISSN
1363-254X
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the organizational effectiveness of internal crisis communication within the strategic management approach, whether it enhanced voluntary and positive employee communication behaviors (ECBs) for sensemaking and sensegiving. By doing so, this study provides meaningful insight into: new crisis communication theory development that takes a strategic management approach, emphasizing employees’ valuable assets from an organization, and effective crisis communication practice that reduces misalignment with employees and that enhances voluntary and positive ECBs for the organization during a crisis.
Design/methodology/approach
This study conducted a nationwide survey in the USA among full-time employees (n=544). After dimensionality check through confirmatory factor analysis, this study tested hypothesis and research question by conducting ordinary least squares multiple regression analyses using STATA 13.
Findings
This study found that strategic internal communication factors, including two-way symmetrical communication and transparent communication, were positive and strong antecedents of ECBs for sensemaking and sensegiving in crisis situations, when controlling for other effects. The post hoc analysis confirmed theses positive and strong associations across different industry areas.
Originality/value
This study suggests that voluntary and valuable ECBs can be enhanced by listening and responding to employee concerns and interests; encouraging employee participation in crisis communication; and organizational accountability through words, actions and decisions during the crisis. As a theoretical implication, the results of this study indicate the need for crisis communication theories that emphasize employees as valuable assets to an organization.
Recommended Citation
Kim, Young, "Enhancing Employee Communication Behaviors for Sensemaking and Sensegiving in Crisis Situations: Strategic Management Approach for Effective Internal Crisis Communication" (2018). College of Communication Faculty Research and Publications. 526.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/comm_fac/526
Comments
Accepted version. Journal of Communication Management, Vol. 22, No. 4 (2018) : 451-475. DOI. © 2018 Emerald Group Publishing Ltd. Used with permission.