Expanding Crisis Communication Theory: A Grounded Theory Analysis of George Mason University’s COVID-19 Crisis communication Strategy

Crisis communication was essential during the COVID-19 pandemic. By analyzing one public university’s crisis communication response using grounded theory methodology, this study attempts to define the hallmarks of the university’s successful communications and inform future crisis communication efforts. Informed by Situational Crisis Communication theory (SCCT), the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM), the Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication Model (CERC) and the Socio Ecological Model (SEM), the study looks to further refine guidance for crisis communication practitioners. By interviewing leaders who shaped the university’s communication during the crisis and analyzing email messages sent to the campus community in a mixed methods approach, the research yields a model known as the Sense of Shared Purpose model. The study provides guidance for future crisis communication applications.

Author

• Balog, Melanie

Identifier

hdl:1920/14766

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:MARS:1920/14766