1st Edition

Organizational Crisis Management The Human Factor

By Gerald Lewis Copyright 2006
    206 Pages 4 B/W Illustrations
    by Auerbach Publications

    Organizational Crisis Management: The Human Factor offers theoretical background and practical strategies for responding to workplace crises. Responding to a paradigm that focuses on the operational aspects of continuity to the detriment of human factors, this volume provides a comprehensive understanding of the unavoidable yet often complex reactions of workforces to a wide array of organizational disruptions.

    Based upon the author's vast experience in the field, this book is a "nuts and bolts" resource that you can immediately apply to a wide range of organizational environments. Following an analysis of the workplace as a social milieu, this text offers a methodology for assessing the impact of various crises, and examines pre-incident mitigation planning. It explores the psychological reactions of individuals and groups who have experienced crises, investigates the impact of the workplace displacement, and examines pre- and post-transition strategies.

    The book looks at the legal and security aspects of workplace disruption, and details the specific services, programs, and interventions that should be in place prior to any event. It concludes by providing guidelines for working with the media, emergency management agencies, and behavioral health services.

    Understanding the Work Organization as a Social Milieu
    Technology: Our Love/Hate Relationship
    From Worker to Employee
    The History of Management
    Organizational Culture
    Lord of the Flies: A Case Example of a Traumatized Culture
    Motivation and Morale
    Maslow at Work
    Passive and Active Trauma
    Workplace Toxicity
    Premorbid Conditions
    References

    The Relationship between Organizational Culture and
    Organizational Crisis Management (OCM)
    Definitions of Business Disruption Incidents
    References

    Incident Assessment: Proactive versus Reactive Measures
    Man-Made I (Single Perpetrator)
    Man-Made II (Organized Group)
    Organizational Transition
    Factor 1: Locus of Impact
    Factor 2: Timing
    Factor 3: Duration
    Factor 4: Impact on Operations
    Factors 5 through 9: Damage and Injury
    Factor 10: Concurrent Stressors
    The Human Impact Assessment Tool (HIAT)
    Shooting Incident with Three Dead and Four Wounded
    Power Outage
    Major Hurricane
    References

    Reactions to Crises, Traumas, Disasters, Catastrophes
    Stress
    Beyond Stress
    Depression
    Anxiety and Panic Disorders
    Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
    "PTSD for Dummies"
    Substance Abuse
    Family Reactions
    Critical Incident Stress
    References

    The Lifespan of a Crisis, Trauma, Disaster, Catastrophe
    Survival Phase (0 to 72 hours)
    Support
    Adjustment
    Resolution
    Re(dis)covery
    Groups of People Can Go through Stages and Phases
    References

    The Five "Rs"
    Contingency 1: Short-Term Release and Return
    Contingency 2: Release and Short-Term Relocation
    (e.g., power outage, weather, etc.)
    The Need for Instant Communication
    Contingency 3: Short-Term Relocation or Reassignment
    to Alternative Work Site (e.g., fire, flood, etc.)
    Contingency 4: Long-Term Reassignment or Non-Return
    (e.g., major incident, facility closing, etc.)
    Contingency 5: Retaining at Work
    Real-Life Learning

    Legal and Litigation Aspects of Crises, Traumas, and
    Workplace Disruptions
    Overview of Violence and Hostility in the Workplace
    The Cost of Workplace Violence
    "Preventing?" Workplace Violence
    Displaced Domestic Violence
    A Comprehensive Job Description
    References

    Key Roles Within and Outside the Organization
    The SAFE-T Team
    Management and Leadership
    Key Points
    References

    Employee Services and Programs
    Pre-incident Planning
    Family Crisis Plans (FCPs)
    Supervisory Training and Employee Education
    Evacuation Drills
    Employee Services and Interventions
    Be Sure That Your EAP Is a Right Fit for Your Company
    Information Is the Lifeblood during a Crisis
    Media Management
    Crisis Intervention
    Group Psychological Debriefings
    Employee Feedback
    Administrative Visibility
    Keep Your Head above Water (I Mean "de Nile") Take the Time
    The Utilization of Consultants
    References

    Appendices
    A
    Workbook
    Organizational Culture Assessment
    Human Factor Impact
    Brief Business Impact Analysis

    B
    Assessment of Organization and Organizational
    Continuity Plan
    Assess Your Organization's Continuity Planning Committee
    Assess Your Workplace Culture
    Assessment of Pre-impact Preparedness
    Brief Business Impact Analysis
    Human Factor Assessment

    Biography

    Gerald Lewis

    "This book is a must read for all managers concerned with responding to workplace crises."
    David Lee, Ph.D., Clinical Director, Magellan Health Services

    "A stunning accomplishment! Brilliant concepts that are equally valuable to corporate management, government planners, employee assistance programs and all crisis responders. This book has become a vital component of my crisis tool kit."
    Art Barker, MA, LPC, Regional Supervisor, Nation Crisis Response Coordinator
    United Postal Service EAP