Abstract

Through a case study analysis of repeated crises that impacted the same organization in Brazil, this dissertation aimed to solve an applied problem: the potential for unresolved or amplified risk for organizations and their stakeholders facing repeated crises due to incomplete post-crisis learning. This research expands and clarifies the understanding of organizational learning, particularly in the Discourse of Renewal theory, by exploring the potential for organizations to ascertain vital lessons for a crisis but fail to communicatively constitute them as central features of a renewed organization. The study investigated an organization's failure to avoid repeating a crisis within a relatively short period of time. Interviews were conducted with organization and community members to identify and assess the perceptions of those who experienced the crisis and observed the company's response first-hand. In short, interviews with organization and community members provided a means for understanding how these individuals perceived and interpreted the organization's communication. The study contributes to knowledge through the further clarification of the learning parameter demanded by the Discourse of Renewal theory. It identifies potential pitfalls in the learning process and clarifies possible thresholds that must be met for implementing the lessons learned from crises. The Systemic Learning Model for Renewal is proposed to serve as a guideline for organizations seeking to renew after a crisis.

Graduation Date

2022

Semester

Fall

Advisor

Sellnow, Timothy

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Nicholson School of Communication and Media

Degree Program

Strategic Communication

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0009380; DP0027103

URL

https://purls.library.ucf.edu/go/DP0027103

Language

English

Release Date

12-15-2022

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Doctoral Dissertation (Open Access)

Included in

Communication Commons

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