Post‐crisis discourse and organizational change, failure and renewal
Journal of Organizational Change Management
ISSN: 0953-4814
Article publication date: 1 February 2005
Abstract
Purpose
To examine the post 9/11 communication of the bond‐trading firm, Cantor Fitzgerald and its CEO Howard Lutnick, according to the discourse of renewal framework.
Design/methodology/approach
This case‐study of the discourse of renewal draws upon the messages and statements made by the company and its employees following the 9/11 attacks. The discourse of renewal framework emphasizes provisional responses, prospective statements, and the role of the leader as a symbol of stability in the face of a crisis.
Findings
This study provides support for viewing crisis as change‐inducing events with the potential to fundamentally alter the form, structure and direction of an organization. Renewal discourse helped the company survive an attack where over 600 employees were killed and the company offices completely destroyed. While a crisis inevitably create severe harm, it also has the potential to serve as a renewing force for the organization.
Research limitations/implications
Few examples of post‐crisis discourse of renewal have been examined in the literature and more research is needed. Work needs to identify the conditions necessary for this kind of discourse.
Practical implications
Organizations may have the opportunity to fundamentally reframe a crisis, focusing on the opportunities that arise from these events.
Originality/value
This paper explores both organizational crisis and organizational discourse from unique positions. Discourse is positioned as the means whereby crisis can become a positive force for change
Keywords
Citation
Seeger, M.W., Ulmer, R.R., Novak, J.M. and Sellnow, T. (2005), "Post‐crisis discourse and organizational change, failure and renewal", Journal of Organizational Change Management, Vol. 18 No. 1, pp. 78-95. https://doi.org/10.1108/09534810510579869
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2005, Emerald Group Publishing Limited