Crisis Communication in China: Strategies taken by the Chinese Government and Online Public Opinion

The study analyzes crisis communication strategies used by the Chinese government during the H7N9 crisis, considering the cultural context and the development of digital media. It aims to develop a comprehensive theory that incorporates these factors and identifies related crisis communication strategies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 212 pages
Publication date: 04 October 2022
Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited

While past public crises were addressed by focusing on protecting the public safety and maintaining public order, public crises today, such as the COVID-19 outbreak, require different responses and face more challenges. Crisis Communication in China examines crisis communication strategies taken by the Chinese government during public crises and discusses how the public react to these strategies, exploring the cultural context and the development of digital media as critical factors underlying the strategies adopted.

Much of the previous research on crisis communication in China adopted Coombs Situational Crisis Communication Theory. However, as a theory proposed and developed in the West, its application in a non-Western culture requires testing. In addition, cultural influences and the role of digital technology have been discussed in some existing literature, but few studies have attempted to integrate these elements into crisis communication theories. In order to fill these two gaps, this research analyses the Chinese governments crisis communication strategies during the H7N9 crisis, examining not only the governments management of the crisis but also the publics reaction to the official communication process. It also explores the cultural context and the development of digital media as critical factors underlying the strategies adopted. The analysis contributes to the development of a comprehensive theory that incorporates these two elements, which shows and identifies related crisis communication strategies emerged from cultural traditions and the development of digital media.

The Chinese government has faced numerous public crises throughout its history, including natural disasters, political upheaval, and health emergencies. In recent years, the COVID-19 outbreak has posed one of the most significant challenges to the countrys crisis communication strategies. The outbreak has highlighted the need for a more proactive and responsive approach to crisis communication, as well as the importance of incorporating digital media into crisis communication efforts.

One of the key challenges facing the Chinese government in responding to the COVID-19 outbreak was the rapid spread of misinformation and false information. To address this challenge, the government has implemented a range of measures, including censorship of online platforms and the dissemination of accurate information through official channels. The government has also used social media platforms to communicate with the public and provide updates on the outbreak.

Another challenge facing the Chinese government in crisis communication is the cultural context of the country. China has a complex cultural system that values hierarchy, respect, and social harmony. This cultural context can influence how the public reacts to crisis communication efforts and can impact the effectiveness of crisis communication strategies. For example, the Chinese government has been criticized for its response to the COVID-19 outbreak, with some critics arguing that the government has been too authoritarian and has not provided enough information to the public.

In addition to the challenges posed by the cultural context, the development of digital media has also played a critical role in shaping crisis communication strategies in China. With the rise of social media platforms such as WeChat and Weibo, the Chinese government has been able to reach a wider audience and provide more timely and accurate information to the public. Digital media has also allowed the public to participate in crisis communication efforts and to share their experiences and concerns.

Despite these challenges, the Chinese government has made significant progress in developing and implementing crisis communication strategies. One of the most notable examples of this progress is the establishment of the National Health Commission (NHC) in 2013. The NHC is responsible for coordinating the countrys response to public health emergencies and has played a key role in responding to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The NHC has implemented a range of measures to combat the outbreak, including travel restrictions, quarantine measures, and the distribution of medical supplies. The government has also used social media platforms to communicate with the public and provide updates on the outbreak. In addition, the NHC has worked closely with local governments and healthcare providers to ensure that the public has access to accurate and timely information.

Another example of the Chinese governments crisis communication strategies is the use of traditional media outlets such as television and radio. The government has used these outlets to provide updates on the outbreak and to communicate with the public about the governments response. The government has also used these outlets to promote public health measures and to encourage the public to take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.

In conclusion, the COVID-19 outbreak has posed significant challenges to the Chinese governments crisis communication strategies. However, the government has been able to respond effectively to the crisis by implementing a range of measures, including censorship of online platforms, the dissemination of accurate information, and the use of digital media. The Chinese governments crisis communication strategies have also been shaped by the cultural context of the country and the development of digital media. As the world continues to face new challenges and crises, it will be important for governments to continue to develop and implement effective crisis communication strategies that take into account the unique cultural and social contexts of their countries.

Weight: 395g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781801179836