Impression management following a major crisis event:structured literature review

Abstract

This master thesis explores the pivotal role of impression management in organizational communication and crisis management, focusing on major crisis events. The study emphasizes the strategic importance of impression management for organizations in the post-crisis period, contributing to the fields of crisis communication and organizational behavior.

Conducted through a structured literature review methodology, the research investigates how organizations employ reactive, proactive, and adaptive strategies to strategically manage impressions after major crises. The primary research question asks, "How do organizations strategically manage impressions post-crisis, and what factors influence these strategies?"

The chosen methodology synthesizes existing research, theoretical frameworks, and empirical evidence, providing a systematic examination of the current state of knowledge. This approach identifies patterns, gaps, and trends, offering valuable insights for theory development and practical application in the dynamic landscape of crisis communication.