Crisis Lifecycle vs Crisis Management Planning Methodology: A Comparison
Often, people ask me this question when embarking on their crisis management journey: What is the difference between a crisis lifecycle and a crisis management planning methodology?
While both concepts are crucial for crisis preparedness, they serve distinct purposes.
The reply is that it lies in their scope and purpose. This is a simple comparison of the differences.
| Crisis Management | ||
| Feature | Crisis Lifecycle | Crisis Management Planning Methodology |
| Focus | Describes the natural stages a crisis typically goes through | Provides a structured approach to prepare for and respond to crises |
| Purpose | Helps understand the evolution of a crisis and its impact | Guides the development of a crisis management program and response strategy |
| Actionable |
Limited direct action focuses on understanding the crisis flow | Provides a roadmap for taking concrete steps in preparation and response. |
| Example | A natural disaster might unfold pre-crisis, during-crisis (event and recovery stages) and post-crisis | A methodology helps develop an implementation plan for different stakeholders during a crisis |
| Analogy | Think of it as the natural history of a disease. It describes the different phases of the illness, helping doctors understand its progression. | This is like a treatment plan for the disease. It outlines the steps to take for diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. |
| Stages | ![]() |
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| ISO22361 CM Process | 5.3.1 Anticipation 5.3.2 Assessment 5.3.3 Prevention and mitigation 5.3.4 Preparedness |
5.3.5 Response 5.3.6 Recovery |
5.3.7 Continual improvement | ![]() |
Summing Up ...
Key Takeaways is that the crisis lifecycle helps you understand the overall flow of a crisis.
The crisis management planning methodology equips you with tools to prepare for and respond to a crisis at each stage of its lifecycle.
By understanding both concepts, organizations can:
- Anticipate potential crisis scenarios based on the lifecycle stages.
- Develop a crisis management plan that addresses each stage effectively.
- Conduct crisis exercises that simulate different stages of the lifecycle.
- Continuously improve their crisis preparedness throughout the lifecycle.













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