ABSTRACT

The study examines the impact of information dissemination in crisis management. The specific objectives of the study are to examine the causes of crisis on campuses and in our society, to examine the role of information dissemination in crisis management, to examine the challenges of crisis management in our society and to proffer solutions on the method of crises handling in our society. The research design used descriptive and survey method of data collection in an attempt to empirically examine the assessment of information dissemination in crisis management. The population of the study includes the students of Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic in HND II and NDII respectively. The sample size of this study is judgmental sample of 80 respondents which comprise of both male and female students Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, Bori, Rivers State. Findings reveal that there is a positive impact of information dissemination in crisis management. Based on the findings of the study summary, conclusion and recommendations were made that Schools management and organizations should ensure to put in place or create avenue where students express their worries and feelings, a good PR department and information dissemination centre should be established for there to be effective communication between the students wing and the school authority and Students unions of higher learning should try to ensure that information within them circulates effectively on time.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Crisis as a universal factor started right from the creation of man and has remain a reoccurring variable in the world historical events.

Man’s interaction with the environment coupled with the sophistication of the present age, survival of the fittest has become a Sine-quo-non. Thus, people get involved in many activities with the prime objective to satisfy their basic or primary needs (psychological and safety) and secondary needs (social, esteem and self-fulfillment).

In the process to achieve these needs, conflicts or crisis always emerge either between employees, its internal and external publics and the management of an organization, because, crisis most involve two or more parties.

Presently, hardly is there any day without news of crisis form in our media whether religion, political or industrial crisis. Of a truth, crisis has been with us for centuries but the spate of current violent crisis in organization government and communities’ portent great anger and threatens the growth and stability of the mention areas and the society in general. This situation requires appropriate measures and structures to manage properly this evil called crisis.

1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

From the above background, its oblivious that crisis is a negative element that is highly unwelcomed. Crisis decelerate growth and brings instability in the society, it brings about unhealthy competition, destruction of life and property as well as loss of life. This development is critical as foreign and domestic investors will be skeptical that their huge investment would not be safe, fear and insecure as well as lack of trust and confidence will prevail.

Thus, for the academic continuity to develop, the need for information dissemination, management and resolution of crisis cannot be over-emphasized.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The main objective of this research is to investigate the impact of information dissemination in crisis management as it relates to Ken Poly Student Riot of 1stOctober, 2014. The specific objectives are as follows;

1. To examine the causes of crisis on campuses and in our society.
2. To examine the role of information dissemination in crisis management.

iii. To examine the challenges of crisis management in our society.

1. To proffer solutions on the method of crises handling in our society.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. What are the causes of crisis on campus and in our society?
2. What are the roles of information dissemination in crisis management?

iii. Are there challenges of crisis management in our society?

1. Are there solutions on the method of crises handling in our society?

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study will benefit many schools, co-operate organizations and government officials in crisis management as few work have been done on the subject matter. Also, it will serve as a starting point for other researchers who will be interested in the subject of this research; it will also be beneficial to communities and information or media experts as more knowledge has been gained from the research.

1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The scope of this study is limited to Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic Bori, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State and it specifically discuss causes of crisis and the activities of students on crisis issues and the impact of information dissemination in crisis management.

1.7 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

This researcher faced some obstacles in the course of gathering data, among the barriers were that few works have been done on the subject matter.

Also, the unwillingness of some respondents and government officials to provide information was another problem. Finally, the financial constraints made it difficult for the researcher to reach a wider public at the time frame too short.

1.8 OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS

Communication: Communication is a channels and visual aids against enemy or unfriendly, interception for intelligence purpose.

It is the medium through which relationship are established, extended and maintained.

Crisis: Crisis as an unstable situation of extreme danger or difficulty. Any life can take on crisis proportion, if it is experienced as sudden intense unexpected, it is also emotionally.

Crisis management: It is the process by which organization deals with any major unpredictable event that threatens to harm the organization, it is responding to unforeseen circumstance with on time to plan ahead.

Management: It is the process of designing and maintaining an environment in which individual working together in groups efficiently accomplish selected aims through planning, organizing, staffing, leading and controlling.

Assessment: A judgment or conclusion on a subject matter based on the understanding of the situation.