Rethinking Approaches to National Development: The Crisis Communication Management Option

Abstract

This study investigates the place of crisis communication management in addressing the problem of national development in Nigeria. Using survey research method, 100 copies of the questionnaire were administered to purposively selected respondents in Nsukka, Enugu State. The Guttman scale was used to determine the reliability of instrument and this yielded 0.90 which was considered high. Findings showed significant relationship between crisis communication management and national development. Result further showed,   among others that the factors that can make or mar the effectiveness of crisis communication are: Leadership style; political will; how knowledgeable in   communication   those involved are; finance and media of communication involved and willingness of the general public.  This result is relevant to researchers and other stakeholders who are interested in national development. Based on this result, the researcher argues that one of the best options in the quest for national development is crisis communication management and that its effectiveness or otherwise has a link with national development. The researcher recommends, among others that, government should formulate a policy setting up a crisis communication management team with the sole mandate   addressing national development issues.

Keywords: National development, crisis communication management, option.