[CM] Determine Crisis Management Goals

Setting CM Goal

The goals of a CM should be made clear to the entire organisation. This includes:

• Define the Crisis;
• Establish the CM organisation;
• Implement the CM plan and procedures and
• Establish Benchmarks to Return to Normalcy.

Define the Crisis

The crisis must be defined in terms that are applicable and understandable to the organisation.

Different organisations face various crisis types depending on their focus, location, ownership structure, position in their industry, threats faced, and level of preparation.

Based on practical experience, defining the terms in the family of crises that could threaten an organisation's existence is imperative. This helps elevate the importance and practicality of the CM Plan development effort.

Establish the CM Organisation

Establish an organisation to deal with the crisis immediately before and during it, as well as during the recovery stage.

These individuals need to be able to make strategic decisions amid chaotic circumstances and inadequate information.

Implement CM Plan and Procedures

Establish procedures for quickly accessing internal and external resources as needed. Normal procurement channels will be unacceptable during crises, and those involved in crisis management need access to the necessary recovery tools immediately.

Additionally, the typical chain of command may be unworkable. Key individuals may be unavailable, and communication paths may be unreliable and slow. If a natural disaster brings on a crisis, available supplies may dwindle due to demand by all organisations in a particular region.

Establish Benchmarks to Return to Normalcy

Establish benchmarks to signal when the organization is ready to leave CM operations and return to normalcy. The CM operations mode is not an efficient business model. Established metrics can help signal the CM team to begin the transition back to normal operations.

Reference

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.

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