Reputation management (RM) is initially applied within business research, whereas under the premise of commercialisation of higher education (HE), this concept has been widely studied in HE realm. China, as one of the emerging countries in global competitions, RM was initially borrowed from Anglo-Saxon HE, and it gradually developed in Chinese HE.…

The purpose of this study was to determine best practices of leadership communication during and after organizational crises at colleges and universities that threaten the safety of stakeholders. Crises that impact colleges and universities are increasing, and if the leaders in these organizations communicate improperly throughout crisis…

There is not an organization in the world immune to crisis (Coombs, 2015). From for-profit corporations to the non-profit sector of higher education, research on various crises, and the communication surrounding them, has attracted the attention of scholars and practitioners over the years. This study contributes to literature surrounding…

Negative news about collegiate sports teams in the United States is nearly unavoidable for most universities. The sheer number of athletes involved in multiple programs at major universities increases the likelihood of problems. American football programs alone include rosters of 100 or more players, and the total number of athletes at National…

Soon after news of the child molestation scandal involving Jerry Sandusky, a former Pennsylvania State University assistant football coach, broke in November 2011, the development and alumni relations staff gathered for a town hall-style meeting. "The Penn Stater" has tackled controversial topics before: student riots, a faculty member…

An organization's well-developed strategic plan and reputation can crumble in minutes if it mishandles key communications, particularly during crises. Today's leaders need to appreciate the value of professional public relations and how it helps organizational effectiveness by building strategic relationships, maintaining a favorable reputation,…

In a university's time of crisis, reporters will often attempt to catch the president and board members in conflicting responses in order to develop a "gotcha" news story. It is important for leaders not to take the bait. In times of crisis, board members and institutional leaders must not only control the message and flow of…