Guest Lecture

Question 1

What is Lindblom and what type of work do they specialize in?

Answer 1

Lindblom is a communications consultancy focused on social issues, strategy, positioning, stakeholder analysis, crisis communication, and public affairs.

Question 2

What does Lindblom’s crisis communication approach emphasize?

Answer 2

That successful crisis communication must be proactive, transparent (but not naïve), and based on preparation and training.

Question 3

What are the four crisis communication strategies used by Lindblom?

Answer 3

1. Excuse strategy – Admitting wrongdoing and asking for forgiveness
2. Process strategy – Emphasizing how the organization is handling the crisis
3. Victim strategy – Showing that the organization is also affected by an external cause
4. Distancing strategy – Making clear the organization could not have prevented the crisis

Question 4

Why is preparation crucial in crisis communication according to Lindblom?

Answer 4

Because prepared teams can act faster, more clearly, and potentially prevent a situation from becoming a public crisis.

Question 5

What are the three stages of classifying a crisis used by Lindblom?

Answer 5

1. Yellow scenario – Irregularity
2. Orange scenario – Incident
3. Red scenario – Emergency

Question 6

Who is typically involved in managing a large-scale crisis at Lindblom?

Answer 6

Country manager, local CEO, head of marketing, head of support, media expert, head of content, and administrative support.

Question 7

What steps are involved in Lindblom’s crisis communication action plan?

Answer 7

1. Form a crisis team
2. Classify the issue
3. Initiate a meeting
4. Formulate key messages
5. Start crisis communication

Question 8

Why do some crises never reach the media, according to Lindblom?

Answer 8

Because good preparation and issue management help ensure a ‘controlled landing’ before it becomes front-page news.