Stress on the line: The role of organisational communication in responder well-being
Abstract
Emergency management is an inherently stressful field. Repeated exposure to the stress of emergency incidents increases the vulnerability of responders to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Research has suggested, however, that internal organisational communication can also play a significant role in that vulnerability. This paper examines these findings through a case study of internal communication in a fire department and its effect on the stress levels of its members. This article is also included in The Business & Management Collection which can be accessed at https://hstalks.com/business/.
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Author's Biography
Ronda Nowak is a senior associate with Michael Baker International where she supports local, state and federal government in risk communication and hazard mitigation. Prior to joining Michael Baker, Ronda was the Hazard Mitigation Coordinator for the City of Lansing, Michigan for 21 years. She is a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) and a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM). She has a PhD in communication, as well as degrees in emergency management and education. In 2015 Ronda was inducted into the International Women in Homeland Security and Emergency Management (InWEM) Hall of Fame for her work on the emergency preparedness programme.
Citation
Nowak, Ronda (2025, May 4). Stress on the line: The role of organisational communication in responder well-being. In the Journal of Business Continuity & Emergency Planning, Volume 18, Issue 4. https://doi.org/10.69554/KTYG3259.
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