Identifying a Crisis.
Crises take many forms when they strike an organization, but most have common characteristics.
If this crisis is not addressed quickly, effectively, and honestly, the public will withdraw support from the organization and its leadership. Industrial accidents and natural disasters fall under this category. Crises of reputation are the ones most likely to splay across the business pages of a newspaper, because they include bankruptcy filings, criminal activity by officials or employees, and other scandals such as charges of racism, sexual harassment and corporate espionage. Product tampering, terrorism and boycotts are crises created by the actions of outsiders . However, if it is handled responsibly by honest, responsive and ethical officials within an organization, a crisis can turn into a chance for healing, improvement, and public support.