Singapore. (24 July 2010. 2000 hrs). Today Yahoo News reported that a Hindu Temple has come under scrutinity by the authorities for the alledged misuse of funds. Essentially, the Chief Executive of the temple has been accused of making questionable payments to contractors and vendors without consulting the management committee. A quick analysis of this incident reveals that it is unlikely to evolve into a crisis as it appears to be the act of an individual.
To illustrate some key lessons, let us assume that we have been hired by the accused to help develop a Crisis Communication plan.
Firstly, in situations where criminal proceedings are likely, it is imperative that the Crisis Communicator work closely with the client's lawyer in crafting and releasing any statements. This is essential as any statement made by the client can, and may be used, against the client during the trial.
Secondly, unlike the usual Crisis Communication plan (which is designed to protect the image, reputation and brand of the organisation), this Crisis Communication plan is designed to achieve certain limited objectives set by the client. Once these objectives have been determined, it is then the role of the Crisis Communicator to (a) identify the Stakeholders to be reached to enable the attainment of these objectives; (b) the channels via which to reach them; and (c) the appropriate theme and messages.
In cases like this, my advise to the client would be to look beyond the crisis and position himself for recovery. To do this, my advise would be to position himself as "a person of character" who is "willing to accept his mistakes" (assuming he is at fault) and take his punishment.
To illustrate some key lessons, let us assume that we have been hired by the accused to help develop a Crisis Communication plan.
Firstly, in situations where criminal proceedings are likely, it is imperative that the Crisis Communicator work closely with the client's lawyer in crafting and releasing any statements. This is essential as any statement made by the client can, and may be used, against the client during the trial.
Secondly, unlike the usual Crisis Communication plan (which is designed to protect the image, reputation and brand of the organisation), this Crisis Communication plan is designed to achieve certain limited objectives set by the client. Once these objectives have been determined, it is then the role of the Crisis Communicator to (a) identify the Stakeholders to be reached to enable the attainment of these objectives; (b) the channels via which to reach them; and (c) the appropriate theme and messages.
In cases like this, my advise to the client would be to look beyond the crisis and position himself for recovery. To do this, my advise would be to position himself as "a person of character" who is "willing to accept his mistakes" (assuming he is at fault) and take his punishment.
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