Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

acceptedVersion

Publication Date

7-2017

Abstract

Purpose: Information vacuums (IVs) arise from organizational failure to satisfy the stakeholders’ informational demands during crises. The purpose of this paper is to expand Pang’s (2013) study of the phenomenon of IV by investigating its nature, stages, intensifying factors and resolution. Design/methodology/approach: Print and social media data of five recent international crises with apparent IVs were analyzed. Findings: Poor crisis communications are intensifying factors that induce media hijacks and hypes, distancing, and public confusion. A four-stage model maps the phenomenon into a flow chart describing its development. IV termination begins when organizations either respond with information or provide solutions, results, and/or compensation. Natural and strategic silence were observed and defined. Research limitations/implications: The study lays the foundation for future examination of how media literacy, governments, and culture, both societal and organizational, induce or exacerbate the phenomenon. Practical implications: Immediate, adequate, transparent, credible, and consistent crisis responses manage the IV and crisis, diminish the intensification of subsequent crises, and potentially reduce image and reputational damages. Originality/value: The knowledge of the phenomenon is further developed and new theoretical models are conceptualized to provide researchers and practitioners a clearer understanding of how an IV can develop, persist, deepen, and resolve.

Keywords

Crisis, Silence, Life cycle, Information vacuum, Strategic transparency

Discipline

Business and Corporate Communications | Organizational Behavior and Theory

Research Areas

Corporate Communication

Publication

Corporate Communications: An International Journal

Volume

22

Issue

3

First Page

329

Last Page

353

ISSN

1356-3289

Identifier

10.1108/CCIJ-10-2016-0066

Publisher

Emerald

Copyright Owner and License

Authors

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1108/CCIJ-10-2016-0066

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