Your guide to crisis management
Press
Recent research has revealed that, over the next five years, 83 percent of businesses will face a crisis which will adversely affect their operations.
With this statistic in mind, security risk assessment firm red24 has produced the following guide to advise organisations on issues concerning crisis management and how to minimise the impact of such threats successfully.
What constitutes a crisis?
According to the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (2008), a crisis can be defined as "an abnormal situation, or even perception, which is beyond the scope of everyday business and which threatens the operation, safety and reputation of an organisation". The department advocates that businesses treat crisis management planning with the same attention as other business plans.
What is crisis management?
Crisis management refers to the process of limiting the potential impact of crises on an organisation and its employees. Although the majority of crises are unavoidable, measures can be taken to prepare for their potential impact.
Some crises can be avoided with heightened awareness and increased knowledge, and this is where a security risk assessment is vital. By assessing your workplace for potential hazards, you can highlight any areas of risk and put measures in place to prevent these threats.
Crisis management plans
In order to be fully prepared for the effect of a crisis on your organisation, a comprehensive crisis management plan should be in place. A successful crisis management plan is usually formed around existing management structures and responsibilities. It should also be integrated with the lines of communication to customers, suppliers and other organisations who could potentially be affected.
The main objectives of crisis management planning include:
- Assessing the impact of a crisis within an organisation and on third parties.
- Ensuring that the organisation is in compliance with regulatory guidelines.
- Limiting the potential risk of financial shortfall and litigation.
- Improving staff confidence and morale.
- Illustrating a firm commitment to corporate responsibility.
Contingency plans
In addition to a crisis management plan, it is also important to put contingency plans in place. These involve preparing for potential crises by simulating an event and then preparing and rehearsing a routine to deal with its impact.
About red24
red24 has conducted security risk assessments for a host of organisations and has successfully implemented crisis management plans.
With a team of strategically located security personnel around the world, red24 is on hand to assist and advise organisations, to ensure that they are able to deal with extreme crises.
Whatever the situation, from kidnapping and extortion to product contamination and civil unrest, our specialists are on hand and can be deployed anywhere in the world within 24 hours.
About red24