Fading Faith: When Government Communication Fails – 6 Steps to Restore Trust in Times of Crisis
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Based on the article “A Worthless Government When Communication Fails” by Sirinapa Permsakunsin, Thammasat University Research and Consultancy Institute (TU-RAC), in the “Now and Beyond by TU-RAC” column, Bangkok Biz News.
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In times of crisis, whether natural disasters or economic turmoil, what citizens need most is accurate, precise, and rapid information to serve as a “mental anchor”, However, when the government communicates with delays, ambiguity, or adopts a “keep it secret for now” approach, these actions erode public trust and make the government appear “worthless” or “valueless” in the eyes of the people
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Communication failure is not merely a technical issue; it is the loss of faith, which is the fundamental cornerstone of governance
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6 Steps to Restore Faith and Effective Communication:
- Clarify accurate and current facts: Report the situation directly without concealment or distortion
- Explain measures and actions: There must be a clear roadmap and timeline, avoiding vague terms like “coming soon”
- Provide guidelines for the public: Offer “user-friendly” and easy-to-understand information on how citizens should conduct themselves during the situation
- Ensure rapid contact channels: Establish a “Rapid Response” system that is proactive, unlike the stagnant traditional bureaucracy
- Continuous progress reports: Provide regular updates on the work being done to alleviate public anxiety
- Demonstrate responsibility and transparency: Be brave enough to admit mistakes if decisions fail and clarify the use of resources honestly
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Crisis communication is not just about providing information; it is about “managing hope” and building social unity to maintain the faith necessary to lead the nation through any crisis 🌟
For more details: https://www.bangkokbiznews.com/business/economic/1181811
https://youtu.be/FGXtWodgAtg
