Konzept einer Stakeholderkommunikation in Unternehmenskrisen am Beispiel von zivilgesellschaftlichen Bewegungen bei Industrie- und Infrastrukturprojekten[A Concept of Stakeholder Communication Within Company Crises Exemplified by Civil Movements During Industrial and Infrastructure Projects]

The following article focuses the communication between project sponsors and civil society in large-scale projects, mainly in terms of industry and infrastructure. First, the actors of civil society and public are discussed within the context of social theory by Jürgen Habermas. In this context, social structures have a high influence on civil society. Changes like globalization, individualization and particularly the rise of internet shape the environment of civil actions. Second, a theoretical discussion on communication enters center stage. This is necessary in order to fulfil the article’s objective to make recommendations for a communication concept for project sponsors. It bases on Grunig and Hunt’s four PR model as well as on the PR concept of understanding by Burkart und Probst, which both underline the importance of consensus, two-way communication and understanding-seeking. The final concept bases on the mentioned theoretical backgrounds, on practical cases as well as on additional expert information. It contains objectives, a strategy and measures for project sponsors to communicate successfully by providing plenty of information, by including stakeholders in discussion and finally even by making decision.