Insights on the Influence of the Attributes of the Arab Culture on Crisis Communications

Abstract

An organization’s image and reputation are assets that are built up over time. Organizations seek to develop and maintain positive images in the minds of publics. The image of an organization can be threatened by crises, and this impacts the trust it has with its employees and customers. Trust declines when employees feel they are not informed properly, especially in times of crises when it is imperative to respond to the threat and where promptness is necessary. Communications help build or restore some level of trust. The case is also applicable on a social level where governments and the public should communicate effectively especially during crises. Two main issues will be discussed in this paper: First, the influence of culture on the practice of Crisis Communications (CC); and second, the factors that underpin the role of culture in CC. These issues are significant since they represent the characteristics and influence of the Arab culture in particular. This article contributes to the understanding of the significance of culture in CC for organizations operating in the Arab World. Keywords: Culture, reputation, standardization, crisis communications, organizations, crisis messages, Arab World.