Being First Means Being Credible? Examining the Impact of Message Source on Organizational Reputation

Author(s)

Patric Spence, University of Kentucky
Kenneth Lachlan, University of ConnecticutFollow
Leah Omilion-Hodges, Western Michigan UniversityFollow
Amanda Goddard

Abstract

Research in organizational communication and public relations suggest that in times of crises, messages generated by the organization are most likely to positively influence stakeholder perceptions, whereas those generated by the press may have negative ramifications. Although this advice seems logical, to date there is little research that investigates this claim empirically and directly. Two experiments were conducted to explore the separate and combined impact of print and televised messages concerning an organization in the midst of a crisis. The findings offer empirical evidence that statements from organizations experiencing crises may offset negative stakeholder responses. Theoretical and pragmatic implications are discussed regarding these findings.

Date Created

January 2014

STARS Citation

Spence, P. R., Lachlan, K. A., Omilion-Hodges, L. M., & Goddard, A. K. (2014). Being first means being credible? Examining the impact of message source on organizational reputation. Communication Research Reports, 31, 124-130.

https://works.bepress.com/patric-spence/15/download/