Bolstering Strategies

Definition

Bolstering strategies are communication tactics used during a crisis to enhance the reputation of an organization or individual, aiming to mitigate negative perceptions and strengthen stakeholder trust. These strategies often involve highlighting positive past behaviors, accomplishments, or attributes that can reinforce credibility and goodwill in the face of criticism or adverse events.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Bolstering strategies can include sharing success stories, testimonials, or data that showcase previous positive outcomes or community involvement.
2. These strategies can be particularly effective when an organization has a history of good performance, as stakeholders may be more willing to overlook current issues.
3. Utilizing bolstering strategies can help organizations maintain trust and loyalty among stakeholders during times of crisis.
4. This approach is often used in conjunction with other crisis communication strategies to provide a well-rounded response to negative events.
5. Bolstering strategies emphasize the importance of transparency and honesty in communication to ensure that stakeholders feel informed and valued.

Review Questions

• How do bolstering strategies contribute to reputation management during a crisis?
  • Bolstering strategies play a crucial role in reputation management by reinforcing the positive aspects of an organization when faced with negative scrutiny. By highlighting past achievements and positive attributes, these strategies can help mitigate damage to an organization's image and foster trust among stakeholders. This is particularly important in crises, as maintaining a favorable reputation can influence public perception and loyalty.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of bolstering strategies compared to other crisis communication tactics.
  • Bolstering strategies can be highly effective when used alongside other crisis communication tactics such as apology or corrective action. While bolstering aims to enhance positive perceptions, it should not replace accountability measures. The combination of acknowledging faults while also showcasing strengths can create a balanced narrative that fosters understanding and retains stakeholder support during challenging times.
• Assess how the application of bolstering strategies might differ across various industries facing crises.
  • The application of bolstering strategies can vary significantly across industries due to differing stakeholder expectations and cultural contexts. For example, in healthcare, emphasizing past successes in patient care may resonate strongly with stakeholders, while in technology, highlighting innovation and reliability could be more impactful. Tailoring bolstering strategies to fit industry norms and values is crucial for their success, as it allows organizations to connect authentically with their audiences during crises.

Related terms

Reputation Management: The practice of monitoring and influencing the public perception of an organization or individual, especially during a crisis.

Crisis Response: The actions and communications taken by an organization in reaction to a crisis situation to manage the implications and restore normalcy.

Image Restoration Theory: A framework that outlines strategies organizations can use to repair their reputation after a crisis, including bolstering strategies.