Crisismanagement

Crisis management refers to organizational processes to prepare for, respond to, and recover from events that threaten operations, safety, or reputation. It employs an all-hazards approach, integrating risk assessment, business continuity, and crisis communications to limit damage and restore normalcy.

The process typically includes preparedness (risk identification, business continuity plans, training and drills), detection and assessment (monitoring, triage, determining severity and potential impacts), response (activation of crisis management team, incident command, mobilization of resources, internal and external communications), and recovery and learning (restoration of critical functions, post-incident review, and implementation of improvements).

Central to crisis management is a designated crisis management team or incident command structure, with roles such as incident commander, operations, logistics, communications, legal, and IT. Coordination with external stakeholders, regulators, customers, suppliers, and the media is common. Tools include crisis communications plans, dashboards, notification systems, and data backup and cybersecurity capabilities.

Frameworks and standards often inform practice, including incident command systems, business continuity management, ISO 22301 for continuity management, ISO 31000 for risk management, and cross-sector guidelines. Types of crises vary, including natural disasters, cybersecurity incidents, financial shocks, supply chain disruptions, reputational damage, and workplace emergencies.

The objective is to minimize harm, protect people and assets, safeguard operations, preserve public trust, and enable rapid recovery. Ongoing improvement relies on drills, after-action reviews, and updates to plans and training.