|
|
NEW YORK, September 3, 2003—More
companies have crisis management plans in place today than they did at
this time last year, an American Management Association (AMA) survey shows.
According to the results, 64% of executives said their companies have
a crisis management plan, up from 49% in 2002. And 62% of the companies
have designated a crisis management team compared to 54% last year, while
42% have conducted crisis drills or simulations, up from 39% in 2002.
AMA surveyed 146 members and customers from August 4–22, about the
preparations, if any, their companies have taken in the event of a crisis.
Of those companies that have crisis management plans, 87% also have written
contingency plans in place. According to the respondents, the primary
reason for having a plan is to ensure continuous customer service (71%),
mitigate financial loss (12%) and protect the company brand/reputation
(7%).
The survey also shows that more companies have
ongoing and back-up communications plans with senior management (84%),
employees (81%), emergency respondents (64%) and media (40%), than they
do with insurance carriers (33%), regulatory bodies (32%), contractors
(31%), legal entities (27%) or family members (26%).
More than a third of respondents (38%) said that their companies offer
formal training on security issues, up from 35% in 2002. And 39% said
that key personnel across all business lines have been trained in crisis
management skills, compared to 29% last year.
AMA’s survey also shows that executives have a
high level of concern for evacuation planning (34%), employee screening
(30%), cyber threats (28%), workplace violence (26%), travel safety (23%)
and hazardous material/mailroom safety (20%).
More companies believe they are better prepared to handle
natural disasters (65%), technology failures or loss of data (64%), workplace
violence/unethical behavior of employees (57%), industrial accidents/fatalities
(50%), disturbances such as terrorism or political unrest (45%), compared
to crime (35%), major fraud (28%), death of a senior executive (28%) or
malicious rumor/slander (11%).
About AMA
American Management Association is the world’s leading membership-based
management development organization. For 80 years, it has provided valuable
and practical action-oriented learning programs to people at all levels,
in all industries, from companies and agencies of all sizes. More than
500,000 AMA customers and members a year learn new skills and behaviors,
gain more confidence, advance their careers and contribute to the success
of their organizations through a wide range of AMA seminars, conferences
and executive forums, as well as through AMA books and publications, research
and print and online self-study courses.
|
|
