In today’s business environment, it is critical for every company or organization to have a crisis management plan. Although you may not have experienced major problems, it is unwise to ignore the possibility. Whether your firm experiences small internal disputes or large public disasters, it is not only vital to know what steps should be taken, but crucial to affect the correct timing of those actions to mitigate damage.

• EXTERNAL INCIDENTS. From natural disasters, to business misjudgments to executive misconduct, companies are now more acutely aware of the need to monitor the public’s perception of the quality and integrity of their organization, as well as of their products and services. Crisis management may involve any of several different elements, including:
  
  
  • Information leaks and unfounded allegations
  • Inappropriate corporate actions
  • Natural disasters and their impact on the community
  • Negligent actions of the part of management which result in:
    • Fatalities in the workplace
    • Health risks concerns
    • Danger to local communities
      
      
• INTERNAL CONFLICTS. The responsibility of management is to safeguard the mission and objectives of the organization. It is understandable that opinions may differ and that internal politics often distort the judgment of corporate leaders and members of the board of directors. To that end, it is critically important that governing boards are careful in their jurisprudence of the reputation of the firm. Managing internal crises can include:
  
  
• Resolving Governance board disputes
• Working proactively to avoid miscommunication to employees or membership