| Abstract [eng] |
The first aim of the study „Crisis Management in Information Society. Public Relations“ is to analyze the crisis management and crisis communication literature. This analysis will be the base for formulating theoretical model for effective crisis management with the help of public relations. The second aim of the study is to analyse how Lithuanian companies are ready to act in crisis situations and defend their reputation. In order to study out selected aims two tasks were accomplished during the course of work: analyzing crisis management and crisis communication literature to select the most comprehensive and effective means for crisis management and reputation defence. The other task was to execute qualitative research of Lithuanian companies readiness for crisis situations and reputation defence. After the study of crisis management and crisis communication literature the comprehansive model of crisis management and communication was created. It is the main benchmark for evaluating how Lithuanian companies are prepared to face crisis situations and for defence of their reputation. During the study in-depth interviews with Lithuanian companies were executed. In addition two interviews with Lithuanian journalists were executed for verification of Lithuanian companies‘ answers. After the qualitative analysis it emerged that Lithuanian companies have various understandings about crisis, their affect to company‘s reputation and have different levels of preparation for crisis situations and reputation defence. In general Lithuanian companies are not well prepared to face crisis, to act effectively during crisis and to defent company‘s reputation appropriately. At the end of the study recommendations for the companies how to improve preparation for crisis and reputation defence was delivered. The study should be useful for those who work with crisis management in practice and in academic fields, for business entities, lectors of crisis management and students. |
