The Manager Communications, Chevron Nigeria and Mid-Africa Business Unit, Mr. Victor Anyaegbudike, gave an indication while delivering a paper titled: “Corporate Organizations, Public Relations, and Crisis Management” as a guest lecturer during the 2024 Jackson Annual Lecture (JAL) and International Conference of the Department of Mass Communication, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) held from April 17-19, 2024.
Anyaegbudike who is an alumnus of the University, explained that crisis management is the process by which an organization deals with a disruptive and unexpected event that threatens to harm the organization or its stakeholders and outlined some strategies for effective Public Relations crisis management which include Preparedness, Transparency, Consistent Messaging, Empathy, Monitoring and Adaptation.
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He however noted that Public Relations and crisis management are integral components of a comprehensive reputation management strategy for corporate organizations, adding that while Public Relations focuses on proactively managing public perception and building strong foundations, crisis communication steps in during times of crisis to address and mitigate reputational threats.
He stated “In today’s interconnected world, where information travels at the speed of light, Public Relations plays a pivotal role in shaping the image and reputation of corporate organizations.”
Anyaegbudike emphasized the paramount role of leadership in crisis management and stated that effective leadership during a crisis fosters resilience, trust, and successful resolution while identifying and highlighting some theoretical and practical paradigms that constitute successes and failures of Public Relations efforts in crisis.
“effective crisis management involves a delicate balance between transparency, empathy, and strategic communication. Organizations that handle crises well can emerge stronger and maintain stakeholder trust.” He stated.
He mentioned some ways leadership contributes to effective crisis management as “Decision-Making, Communication, Strategic Vision, Empathy and Support, Adaptability, Transparency and Accountability, Team Coordination, Learning and Improvement.
Large number of audience was present and received this awesome lecture and they
include members of the academia, representatives of corporate organizations, government officials, traditional rulers, and students.
The Jackson Annual Lecture was established in honour of late John Payne Jackson.
Anyaegbudike was also presented with an Excellence Award by the University during the event.
