Estimating the crisis information coverage model in the internet communities

Abstract

Purpose

In this study, the process of crisis information communication is viewed as a systems-based concept. An integrated and systematic three-phase model has been constructed to describe the process of crisis information coverage on the internet. By analyzing factors in the three stages that affect the coverage ratio and speed, this study aims to explore the law of information communication in this process and provide useful evidence for crisis managers to make informed decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

A complete information communication model has been constructed including the following three stages: crisis information release, crisis information diffusion and crisis information reception. The effects of important factors and variables in the model have been studied, including the crisis information release quantity, crisis information release mode, crisis information diffusion speed and crisis information obsolescence speed.

Findings

The quantitative analysis shows that crisis information release quantity and diffusion speed are positively correlated with coverage ratio; crisis information obsolescence speed is negatively correlated with coverage ratio; and crisis information release mode affects the speed of coverage but does not affect the final coverage ratio.

Originality/value

Theoretical value: from the perspective of systems thinking, a detailed, systematic and coupled information coverage model has been constructed. Application value: this study finds the most efficient methods to regulate coverage speed and final rate, knowledge of which may play an important role in guiding the practice of crisis communication management.

Citation

Lu, L., Xu, J., Lu, Z. and Wei, J. (2018), "Estimating the crisis information coverage model in the internet communities", Kybernetes, Vol. 47 No. 6, pp. 1202-1216. https://doi.org/10.1108/K-03-2017-0108