What are the key objectives to consider when implementing Crisis management?
Some key objectives to consider when implementing a crisis management project for an organisation are as follows:
1. Minimise Loss and Damage
- This is the primary objective of any crisis management plan.
- The goal is to take actions that limit the negative impact of a crisis on people, property, reputation, and financial resources.
2. Ensure Safety and Well-being
- This includes the safety of employees, customers, and the public during a crisis.
- The plan should outline procedures for evacuation, sheltering in place, and medical attention.
3. Maintain Business Continuity
- A crisis can disrupt normal operations. The objective is to have a plan that allows critical business functions and services to continue with minimal interruption.
- This includes identifying critical personnel, systems, and processes.
4. Protect Reputation
- A well-managed crisis can minimise damage to your organization's reputation.
- The objective is to communicate effectively and transparently with stakeholders throughout the crisis.
5. Restore Public Trust
- Following a crisis, the objective is to rebuild trust with stakeholders by demonstrating a commitment to learning from the experience and preventing future occurrences.
6. Enhance Organisational Resilience
- A crisis management plan should address immediate response and make the organization more resilient to future crises.
- This includes identifying weaknesses and implementing improvements.
7. Legal & Regulatory Compliance
- Some industries have specific regulations regarding crisis response.
- The objective is to ensure your plan adheres to all relevant legal and regulatory requirements.
8. Improve Decision-Making
- A clear crisis management plan provides a framework for making quick and effective decisions during a crisis.
- The objective is establishing a structure that facilitates clear communication and informed action.
9. Foster Staff Morale
- A crisis can be stressful for employees.
- The objective is to have a plan that provides clear guidance and support, helping staff feel empowered to contribute to the response effort.
10. Continuous Improvement
- No plan is perfect.
- The objective is to establish a culture of continuous improvement by reviewing and updating the crisis management plan after each incident.
- This ensures the plan remains effective over time.
Summing Up ...
Considering these objectives, you can develop a crisis management project that effectively prepares your organisation to navigate any crisis and emerge stronger.
Goh, M. H. (2016). A Manager’s Guide to Implement Your Crisis Management Plan. Business Continuity Management Specialist Series (1st ed., p. 192). Singapore: GMH Pte Ltd