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The Impact of Japanese Corporate and Country Culture on Crisis Communications: A Case Study Examining Tokyo Electric Power Company

Batyko, Richard J.

Abstract Details

2012, MA, Kent State University, College of Communication and Information / School of Media and Journalism.

Employing a case study and qualitative research using thematic networks, this thesis examines the impact of country and corporate culture on public relations crisis response. Tokyo Electric Power’s Company’s handling of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant disaster in 2011 will be considered along with the proposition that Japanese culture directly affected the corporation’s crisis communications response. This thesis considers the influence the country’s traditional corporate culture has on governance, lifetime employment, hierarchy, diversity, and information sharing. It extends this analysis to Japan’s unique culture using Hofstede’s Cultural Index. Finally, the thesis examines the evolution and current role of public relations practitioners and firms within this culture.

In considering the proposition, the author explores:

• how local corporate culture can have a dramatic impact on public relations crisis response; • how country culture directly affects corporate culture; • why the public relations function in an open society must be more than a collecting and distribution point for C-suite communications; and • how Hofstede’s Cultural Index and Thematic Networks can be useful in illuminating potential challenges for public relations professionals.

This thesis adds to the what the author discovered is a scarce body of knowledge on this subject and encourages additional study in the area of country and corporate culture and its affect on public relations in-country and globally. While much has been written about country culture and organizational/corporate culture, the blending of these topics with public relations practice provides insights that will assist practitioners in the planning and execution of PR practices, policies, and programs.

Bob Batchelor, Ph.D (Advisor)
William Sledzik, PhD (Committee Member)
Gene Sasso (Committee Member)
87 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Batyko, R. J. (2012). The Impact of Japanese Corporate and Country Culture on Crisis Communications: A Case Study Examining Tokyo Electric Power Company [Master's thesis, Kent State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1352852227

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Batyko, Richard. The Impact of Japanese Corporate and Country Culture on Crisis Communications: A Case Study Examining Tokyo Electric Power Company. 2012. Kent State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1352852227.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Batyko, Richard. "The Impact of Japanese Corporate and Country Culture on Crisis Communications: A Case Study Examining Tokyo Electric Power Company." Master's thesis, Kent State University, 2012. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1352852227

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)