Developing a READINESS mindset with trauma-informed management for crisis communication

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to empirically test how trauma-informed principles predict organizational commitment and satisfaction and to shed light on how a trauma-informed approach can promote a READINESS mindset. Design/methodology/approach – Guided by the model of trauma-informed practices and research on crisis READINESS, we conducted an online survey with 456 communications professionals. Findings – The data indicate that cultural responsivity, voice, choice, peer support and transparent communication were significant and positive predictors of employees' emotional safety. For employees' physical safety, only cultural responsivity, voice and transparent communication emerged as significant predictors. Employees' physical and emotional safety were positively and significantly associated with both organizational commitment and satisfaction. Research limitations/implications – Theoretically, we tested and extended the range of the model of trauma-informed management for crisis communication. Practical implications – The study offers practical implications around how organizations can build a workplace culture that embraces a trauma-informed approach. Theoretically, we tested and extended the range of the model of trauma-informed management for crisis communication. Originality/value – Discussion and application of trauma-informed practices are common in the nonprofit and public interest sectors and not so much in the corporate sector. This study makes an important contribution to understanding trauma-informed insights. By testing how trauma-informed practices can be integrated into crisis READINESS, we continue building a body of knowledge integrating research in both areas, allowing for further theory-building.