An Investigation into the Perceived Management of Terrorism Crisis and Post-crisis Communications in Small Airports
Getting down to some serious research business in these next few posts so get your reading glasses on and probably best to brew a strong Earl Grey too. Building upon my dissertation research from my university days, I’ve decided to re-visit the topic of airport security and crisis communication smack-bang in peak holiday time.
Here’s a brief overview of what you’re letting yourself in for…
In the aftermath of 9/11 the issue of airport security became one of the most important challenges facing the world tourism industry.
The purpose of this research is to investigate the perceived management of crisis and post-crisis communications in the event of a terrorist attack in smaller UK airports, specifically comparing Southampton, a small BAA airport and Bournemouth, a small MAG airport.
The key aims for this research, to be researched through secondary and primary resources, are to identify the current level of crisis planning within the specified airports, assess the communication channels used to publicise the plan and security rationale and to establish the passenger comprehension of the airports communication methods.
The principal findings of this study were that airport crisis management is reactive in its communication methods and security procedures. When researching the current airport communications it was discovered that airports do not always use the most appropriate communication channel for their audience.
It was also found that passengers understanding of increased security measures after a terrorist attack were high but that it fades shortly after. The results showed that passenger awareness of current security levels was fairly poor. Therefore, it was concluded that security communication needs to justify the reasons behind increased security in more simple terms.
My main aims were:
- To identify and critically evaluate the current level of crisis planning, relating to terrorism, within smaller UK airports.
- To establish and assess the communication channels used by these airports to publicise the crisis plan and improved security rationale to its passengers.
- To synthesise the overall confidence and comprehension of the airport‘s communication methods in regards to its customers.
- To establish the perceived source of blame for extensive airport delays.
I’ll be sharing in more detail my findings based around each aim over the next few weeks and would welcome your feedback to expand upon my study. Especially if you work within the airport environment, have experienced poor communications or are a PR professional with an opinion on the topic.
I’ve heard the weather’s meant to be lovely this weekend, I’m planning a picnic in Hamstead Heath. Enjoy the sunshine!
Lauren
*Please note – there will be no talk of ‘poor security’ measures or similar – it is purely discussing the communication within airports. Not to mention the fact I am off on a 9-hour flight to Antigua in 3 weeks time and do not want to be informed of any security mishaps thanks!
