González-Herrero (1994) and González-Herrero and Pratt (1995, 1996) developed a four-stage model for crisis management which the various phases of crisis is considered analogous to the biological lifecycle from birth to death. The model describes the development of crisis with following sequential steps- birth, growth, maturity, and decline (death). The purpose of such demarcation is to clearly identify the different stages of the crisis so as to effectively deal with them. The Crisis management model developed by Gonzales and Pratt identifies the right strategy to deal with it depending upon the particular stage. The four phases described in this crisis management model are: issues management, planning-prevention, the …show more content…
In the previous phase, the issue had been detected and actions had been taken to influence its development. Now, in the planning-prevention stage the organization should brace itself for the possible crisis and plan for other potential scenarios. This requires not only monitoring the environment in search of warning signs but also preparing for a possible negative impact of an issue.
“Planning is the bedrock of crisis management The idea at this point is to show that, when an issue is perceived to have passed the limits of issues management, when it is recognized that a crisis is imminent (e.g., McDonald's), or when an issue might change quickly in intensity (e.g., Intel), the organization should use its information-gathering and warning systems to monitor it carefully. At the same time, the company should brace itself for an imminent crisis, just in case one hits.” 1
In other words, at this stage, the organization should ask itself: What can we proactively do in advance of a possible crisis? How can we use Internet-based technologies to help us minimize the potential negative consequences of a crisis?
The planning-prevention phase, the company