According to ‘Murphy’s Law’ whatever can go wrong, will go wrong (or, whatever can go wrong will go wrong at the worst possible time and in the worst possible way).

So begins a new book that takes a comprehensive look at the management of crisis communication and showcases two Irish communication campaigns managed by Superquinn and NEC Semiconductors.

“Crisis Communication: Practical PR strategies for reputation management and company survival” is designed for a wide audience including CEO’s, senior managers, politicians, marketers, HR specialists and PR practitioners. Written by senior communications experts from IPREX, the worldwide corporation of independent PR firms, the book also include a contribution from one of Ireland’s most experienced PR professionals, Jim Walsh, Managing Director of Walsh Public Relations and current IPREX Worldwide President.

In the book, Jim provides an insight into Superquinn’s handling of a double crisis when accidental fire broke out in their Blanchardstown and Sutton stores in the 1980’s and explains how goodwill is vital in a closure situation, as seen in the closure of the NEC Semiconductors Ireland plant in Ballivor, Co Meath with the loss of 350 jobs in 2006.

According to Walsh: “In these times of uncertainty, proactive communication and proper planning is vital for survival. Crisis Communication provides an indispensable and practical manual for anyone involved in the business of communication or reputation management.”

Other contributions to the book from international authors include The New Dynamics of Financial Crisis; Reorganisation and Restructuring; A Multitude of Challenges for the International Food Sector; Negative Press and How to deal with it; and the growing phenomenon of Crisis Communication and the Internet.

The book is illustrated by copious case studies, from the public and private sectors, analysing real-life crises and their outcomes and it offers sobering examples of the true cost of crises, both in terms of financial consequences and reputation.

It is also designed to offer practical guidance, with ‘how to’ advice throughout and a separate section devoted to templates covering everything from strategic planning tools through to flow charts, checklists, sample copy and documents.

Crisis Communication: practical PR strategies for reputation management and company survival is edited by Peter F Anthonissen and published by Kogan Page.

For further information contact:
Jim Walsh, Walsh Public Relations
Tel: +353 1 6613515

Editors Notes:

Jim Walsh, FPRII, Dip CAM PR

IPREX

About the book

“CRISIS COMMUNICATION: Practical PR strategies for reputation management and company survival”. Editor: Peter F Anthonissen. Published by Kogan Page on 13 November 2008. Hardback 240 Pages: ISBN 978 0 7494 5400